Ask Pinstripe Alley 4/13/18: Gleyber Torres, Tyler Wade, and Jacoby Ellsbury’s contract

Last week, I put out a call for Yankees mailbag questions. You replied with nearly a dozen submissions! I’m going to answer a few this morning. If I didn’t answer yours, don’t worry. We can revisit it during another mailbag! So, what are we waiting for? Here’s the first questions and and answers session of the 2018 season.

HighFlyers28 asks: If Tyler Wade can hold his own, but Gleyber Torres finds himself raking in the minor leagues, what do you think the long-term plan would be for this season? Would they just ride with Wade unless there’s an injury, or would they give baseball’s top prospect his shot and reduce Wade’s role despite having success?

With each passing day, I believe more and more that the Yankees will call Torres up as soon as the service time question is resolved. According to Ken Rosenthal, that’s Wednesday, April 18th. I don’t know if that’s what the front office is thinking, but this team needs a spark. Bringing a top prospect up to the big leagues could provide it.

Where does that leave Wade? The good news is that the 23-year-old can work his way into the lineup on any given day due to his versatility. He can give a starting player the day off, almost regardless of position. If Wade gets his bat going, don’t worry. The Yankees can make room for both him and Torres.

Larry asks: Is it possible that Jacoby Ellsbury may have to medically retire if he has a degenerative hip problem? Would his salary count towards the luxury tax if this happens?

First, there is no indication that Ellsbury’s hip injury is anywhere near that level of seriousness. He received a cortisone shot earlier in the week and is expected to resume baseball activities today.

Now, hypothetically speaking, there’s no way Ellsbury would just retire. If he does, he’s essentially forfeiting his contract. Instead, he would likely negotiate a buyout of some sorts. Pinstripe Alley’s resident baseball economist recommends thinking along the lines of the agreements struck by Prince Fielder or Alex Rodriguez. The remaining sum would indeed count against the luxury tax.

For now though, the important thing is to hope Ellsbury comes back soon. The Yankees can really use the depth.

NYCKING asks: What are the odds that the Yankees host the 2021 All-Star Game?

My very scientific analysis suggests 20:1 odds.

In all seriousness, I wouldn’t count on it. The Yankees last hosted in 2008, and 10 years isn’t that long of a time between hosting. Just think, the Dodgers, who just secured the 2020 All-Star Game, last hosted in 1980! I think it will be a few more years before Yankee Stadium serves as the home to the Midsummer Classic.