Yankees Won't Look for Outfield Help this Offseason Despite Aaron Judge's Struggles

By Djack

Photo Via Newsday

"Don't expect the New York Yankees to look for outfielders this winter. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball that the team won't pursue outfield help during the offseason. Aaron Judge, who replaced Aaron Hicks in right field after Hicks was placed on the DL with a right hamstring strain, has struggled at the plate. Judge has posted a .178 batting average and struck out 37 times in 23 games with the Yankees. Heyman writes that Judge has "tremendous power" despite his high strikeout rate, which could be why the Yankees aren't writing him off." - ESPN Alex Tekip

Of course they aren't looking for outfielders, the fact that this is even a question frustrates me. The decision by Brian Cashman not to look for outfield is so obvious. First of all, we have Jacoby Elisbury under contact for the next 3 years for about 20 mil a season, so that means that outfield spot is taken up for the next few years. Secondly, they have Brett Gardner still under contract next year so if they don't get rid of him via trade or just release him, they're stuck with him in left field as well. I'm certain Gardy one way or another will not be on the team come opening day next season. The last reason is that they have a boatload of elite prospects that are outfielders as well. The decision Cashman made has nothing to do with Aaron Judge, if he works out great if not onto the next one. They have Clint Frazier, who will be called up at some point if he's not in the opening day lineup to begin with. He's the Yankees #1 overall prospect, they traded Andrew Miller for him so he better be a stud. They also have Blake Rutherford, Billy Mckinney, and Dustin Fowler who are all young highly talented prospects that could eventually fill in these outfield positions. I love this move by Cashman to trust the farm system, don't go out and overspend on declining old player in free agency. Save some cash, build from within their farm system, and they'll be able to spend BIG on free agents like Harper, Machado, and Fernandez that can help get us to that elite level. Keep doing what you're doing Cashman because it's working to perfection.