Around the Empire: Yankees news - 12/14/18

MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: After swirling rumors of possibly making a blockbuster deal for Noah Syndergaard or Corey Kluber/Trevor Bauer, the Yankees elected to bring back J.A. Happ on a two-year deal, with an option for a third year. The first two years of the deal will pay Happ $34 million, and the third-year option would depend on the amount of innings Happ can log in the first two years of the deal. If the option vests, the lefty would earn another $17 million.

NY Post | Joel Sherman: With rumors of Miguel Andujar potentially being on the trading block for a star pitcher, Sherman stresses patience for the Yankees with their young third baseman, noting the postseason success of Rafael Devers, and how the Red Sox worked through Devers’ issues for what could become a long-term success story. Can Andujar overcome his glaring defensive issues? On the other side of that coin, for you Athletic subscribers, Eno Sarris did a great investigation in other players like Andujar who struggled at third base and posted low walk rates at the plate, and how the rest of their careers unfolded.

NY Post | George A. King III: While Andujar is potentially on the trading block, Sonny Gray is definitely on there, especially after Brian Cashman’s comments since the offseason began. However, despite Cashman’s clear desire to ship Gray out of town, King reports that the Yankees have been asking for high-end major league talent for the starter, according to a team executive. Gray has a track record, but given his performance in New York last year, the asking price might have to come down a bit.

Cut 4 | Jake Mintz: The Red Sox continue to be annoying, this time sending a bunch of pizzas with extra pineapple to Yankee Stadium as part of a troll attempt during their #TheGiftofSox day. In terms of where this lands on most heinous acts of the rivalry, I’d slate it somewhere between Pedro Martinez throwing Don Zimmer to the ground and Joe Kelly nailing Tyler Austin in the ribs with a 95 mph fastball.