The Yankees checked many items off the offseason to-do list on Friday. Famished fans gobbled up the Yankees’ news feast, having awoken to learn that DJ LeMahieu will be in our lives for six more glorious years. They later found out that Corey Kluber would be a Yankee before wrapping up for the night.
While Kluber was an attractive option on the market for many teams in need of a seasoned starting pitcher, his potential effectiveness had been uncertain due to the reality of the two-time Cy-winner being 35 years old. He was an ace, albeit one who hasn’t had a fully healthy season since 2018. Considering he got the Yankees to bite, Kluber must have put on a convincing performance during his showcase for scouts before Friday. Perhaps his worth is more clear now, or at least the Yankees seem to think so. If Corey Kluber is at least a decent facsimile of Cleveland’s Corey Kluber — the guy the Yanks respected (but still mashed in 2017) — well then it’s a delight to end the day with news of his welcome to the Bronx.
Whew! That’s not even mentioning all the contract agreements that went down in between our lovely LeMahieu and Kluber bookends. Let’s look at what the usual suspects had to say about the news-filled day and examine the impact of all these new transactions and agreements.
First of all, Yankees fans everywhere started the day off on the right foot.
Second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees are finalizing a six-year, $90M contract, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 15, 2021
LeMahieu’s return to New York always felt inevitable. It took a while. But he wanted to be there and Yankees get top free agent target.
Later on, a lovely nightcap.
Right-hander Corey Kluber and the New York Yankees are finalizing a deal that will bring the two-time AL Cy Young winner to the Bronx, pending a physical, sources familiar with the agreement tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2021
The man looks good in, uh, Photoshopped pinstripes.
Here's your first look at the newest member of the @Yankees rotation.
— Cut4 (@Cut4) January 16, 2021
Welcome to the Bronx, Corey Kluber!
(per our close personal friend @JeffPassan) pic.twitter.com/hDIGLSWaag
Although a shave is probably in order, as noted by former Cleveland beat writer Anthony Castrovince.
Corey Kluber is gonna be a Yankee. You know what that means. pic.twitter.com/rprxiGzwZt
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) January 16, 2021
Jake Storiale dropped the mic on all of us with his clairvoyant vision predicting Kluber’s arrival. This was a big day for Jake, considering he sucks.
All right, THIS guy had the first inkling on Kluber. https://t.co/qjzKloaFin
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 16, 2021
Brian Cashman is eyeing that long weekend I see https://t.co/uDqJBlQ8yc
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) January 16, 2021
Yes, it’s true. @TalkinJake did say that Corey Kluber was going to the Yankees. If we’re in a fact-telling mood about Jake, I know I’m not supposed to say this, but one time he
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 16, 2021
You might sense some passive aggression in Jeff Passan’s tweet. His ego may have been a little bruised. You see, Jake and Passan have a thing. A little-known history, if you will. Explore it if you want.
Anyway, here’s the meat of everything in between, which basically amounts to the nuts and bolts of the Yankees roster in 2021.
That's everyone. No arb trials. https://t.co/vjbpdOuyJC
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) January 16, 2021
The Yankees have agreed to terms with nearly everyone we were wondering about: Clint Frazier, bullpen stalwart Chad Green, Aaron Judge, Jordan Montgomery, Gary Sánchez, Gleyber Torres, Gio Urshela and Luke Voit. They’re all on one-year, non-guaranteed contracts, avoiding arbitration.
Stories from today on:
— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) January 16, 2021
DJ LeMahieu: https://t.co/epF06dGXdi
Corey Kluber: https://t.co/Qq84WTiJ3v
Hope you guys have a good night. Don't spend too long on this website arguing about roster construction and the luxury tax threshold.
I’m here for the Tyler Wade stanning DJ show.
GO DJ THATS MY DJ!!!! Welcome back!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/f57BQR1fgR
— Tyler Wade (@_tylerwade) January 15, 2021