The Yankees won't go away

It’s a possibility that Giancarlo Stanton could be introduced as the newest member of the Yankees on Monday afternoon. Still, there’s more in store for the Bombers with the Winter Meetings getting underway. Here’s a look at what to watch for:

1. Stanton notes

For as much talk as there has been about Stanton’s on-field impact, his financial impact from a business perspective may be another reason the Bombers decided to make this move.
The 28-year-old could certainly boost ticket and jersey sales, ad revenues and TV ratings, adding to the team’s already high profile.
The Bombers print money, and Stanton’s arrival certainly shouldn’t hurt them in that aspect. Still, there is a question about how he’ll handle the New York spotlight.
As one Miami TV reporter tweeted: “If Stanton does go to Yankees, he will need to change his approach with the media. When he didn’t like things here he just wouldn’t speak to us or not be seen in clubhouse. That won’t fly in NYC.”

2. Yankees need starting pitching

Stanton, the reigning NL MVP, comes with risk but potential reward as well. But he won’t help their starting rotation, and the Bombers still need more to go along with Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino, Sonny Gray and Jordan Montgomery.
To that end, CC Sabathia, 37, makes a lot of sense to return on a one-year deal in the $10 million-$12 million range. His leadership has been invaluable, and he’s been a great clubhouse presence who has been able to reinvent himself as a veteran pitcher. Plus, he wants to stay.
Free agent Alex Cobb may be out of New York’s price range, but it’s possible that the Bombers look to package something like Clint Frazier (who is blocked) and more (Chance Adams, maybe?) for a younger starter signed for multiple years, such as Chris Archer or Gerrit Cole. It’s been reported that Chad Green is projected to come to spring training stretched out as a possible starter as well.
In this instance, a strong prospect pool gives the Yankees options. Cobb could end up with the Cubs, reuniting with his former manager, Joe Maddon. Tyler Chatwood just signed with Chicago for three years, $38 million.
Remember, the Bombers want to get under the $197 million luxury-tax as well, which they should be able to do even while adding a starter, maybe two at the appropriate price. One MLB.com projection had them at about $25 million left to finish off their roster (and possibly use at the trade deadline), as currently constituted.

3. How will the Red Sox counter

Boston, with a lack of power on its roster, certainly could’ve used Stanton, who ended up with its archrivals in the Bronx. Now the Red Sox may have to pony up big bucks for Eric Hosmer or J.D. Martinez, both clients of super agent Scott Boras. White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu had been linked to Boston on the trade front, though that doesn’t seem likely.
It was at the Winter Meetings last offseason when Brian Cashman referred to the Red Sox as the “Warriors of Baseball” after Boston landed Chris Sale. But it didn’t work out that way, as the Bombers proved to be the better team in 2017 — even if the Red Sox won the AL East.
The Yankees, with their homegrown foundation, won the season.

3. What happens with Jacoby Ellsbury

His contract (three years, $68 million) is brutal, and he has a no-trade clause (even more brutal). Plus, he’s not starting over Stanton, Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks or Brett Gardner. So that makes him the fifth outfielder, or sixth if you count Frazier.
It stands to reason the Yankees would have to eat a lot of his contract if they were able to find a taker. Ellsbury’s seven-year, $153 million deal may wind up the worst free-agent contract in franchise history — if it isn’t already.

4. Other items on the docket

Chase Headley provides versatility and professionalism, but he’s perhaps another potential trade candidate to free up additional funds. Headley will be entering the final year of his deal at $13 million.
Also of note: Will the Bombers decide to add a second baseman before Gleyber Torres is ready? Or will they go with stop-gaps like Ronald Torreyes or Tyler Wade? Perhaps Torres, MLB.com’s No. 1 overall prospect who is finishing off his rehab from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, will win the job out of spring training.
New manager Aaron Boone also needs a coaching staff, with only Larry Rothschild set to return as pitching coach so far.