HAL OF A DEAL
THE YANKEES didn’t get mad. They got Stanton.
Spurned by Shohei Ohtani, the Yankees pivoted to make a George Steinbrenner maneuver in a Hal Steinbrenner fashion.
Acquiring Giancarlo Stanton fits comfortably into The Boss’ model — a theatrical acquisition of a major star to the annoyance of the sport. But the Yanks were in position to deal because Hal permitted Brian Cashman to clean up the payroll and build up the farm system the past few years to such an extent that the Yanks can make a George win-now move without losing the Hal-ordered flexibility and vitality for their future.
As of Saturday afternoon, the trade was not f inalized. The Yanks requested Stanton take a full physical in New York in exchange for absorbing $265 million of the $295 million Stanton is due over the next 10 years. If completed — which is the expectation either Sunday or Monday — the Yankees will receive the NL MVP and $30 million, payable if Stanton does not opt out of his contract after the 2020 season.
In return, the Yankees surrendered Starlin Castro and toolsy prospects in pitcher Jorge Guzman and shortstop Jose Devers, neither of whom are close to the majors or part of the Yanks’ elite prospect list.
It is a rather discount price to put the star and homer power of Stanton with Aaron Judge, and also Gary Sanchez, providing more righty long-ball might than perhaps any time in franchise history. As one competing executive said: “Activate search for righty relievers in 3, 2, 1…”
To think 10 days ago the Yankees were the perceived favorites for Ohtani and Stanton was, at best, a backburner issue. After