Everyone knew the Yankees were in the market for a shortstop replacement. We thought that the Cubs would be an ample trading partner for the Yankees. For whatever reason, nothing gelled in that regard because the Yankees apparently found their replacement middle infielder.
The Yankees acquired Didi Gregorius from the Diamondbacks in a three way trade with Tigers. Gregoriusis a typical good glove weak bat shortstop. But he has major league experience.
The Tigers get a fifth starter in pitcher Shane Green. In his short career, he is about an average major league starter which is okay in the back of a deep rotation.
The Diamondbacks get two players: lefty Robbie Ray, who last year posted a
1.59 ERA through is first five starts at Triple-A, with a 21/5 K/BB
ratio in 28 innings, showing his promise, but he is not a flawless
prospect, and shortstop Domingo Leyba from the
Tigers. He’s only 19 and hasn’t played above A-ball, but he hit very
well across two levels in 67 games last season. In leagues in which he
was very young.
Apparently, the Yankees were eager to get a deal to solidify their shortstop position before the winter meetings. If the Cubs were inclined to trade a surplus middle infielder to a team that really needed one, this could be a missed opportunity.
