Now, losing those three players to waivers won’t make or break a run at contention in 2022 for the Yankees.
It’s a similar tactic to the Yankees declining Joely Rodríguez’s club option on Sunday, making room to protect prospect Donny Sands from next month’s Rule 5 Draft.
The Yankees had 63 stolen bases in 2021, fewer than 18 other clubs.
The other five on that list are either entering free agency or are already preparing to suit up for another team next season.
In ’14, the San Francisco Giants had the second-fewest steals in all of baseball and won a title while New York was fifth in the league with 112 stolen bases and missed the playoffs entirely.
During New York’s historic 13-game winning streak in August, the Yankees stole a bag in nine games.
Obviously those numbers are cherry-picked to fit this discussion.
A chance at trading for a star like Matt Olson or signing a top-tier shortstop like Corey Seager or Carlos Correa would take a precedence.
It would take a haul of prospects to go after one of those two names—especially Reynolds—which may be a deterrent in getting a deal done.
Even Jasson Dominguez, in a small sample size, showcased his speed, although he’s much further away from making it to the big leagues.
If New York can be patient, those prospects, and more, can provide a youthful boost in the box and on the bases down the road.
Regardless, it behoves Cashman and the Yankees to target players this offseason that can supplement the big bats in the middle of the lineup.
It all goes back to how this team has been constructed.