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Yankees add Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa: PSA Community Reaction

The Yankees rebuilt half their infield in one swing last night in a move that left the fanbase conflicted.

By John Griffin
/ new
Detroit Tigers v Minnesota Twins Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

After months of waiting, the Yankees finally made a move yesterday, bringing Tim Locastro back to the Bronx for his third stint in pinstripes. At once, the fanbase erupted in frustration. A speedy outfielder who can’t use his speed as a weapon because he can’t get on base? Then they followed it up by signing first baseman Ronald Guzman to a minor league deal, which, okay I guess, they did need first base depth. But where was the excitement? Where was the movement on the hot stove?

“Well, hold my beer,” Brian Cashman said, making one of his signature ninja moves by adding Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and [checks notes] Ben Rortvedt at 10:30 p.m. EDT, sending fan favorite Gio Urshela and fan favorite lightning rod Gary Sánchez to the Minnesota Twins. As the Pinstripe Alley team scrambled to re-orient today’s coverage — the day’s articles are submitted to the editorial staff before 10:00 PM EDT — the comments section began to erupt with the news.

Reactions were, as you might expect, mixed, as the fans have invested a lot of energy and love (and frustration) into these two over the past few years, and both players have had big moments in pinstripes. And while many were excited about the prospects of adding a guy with a 130 OPS+ over the last three seasons, many were worried about both his age and the size of his contract.

Still others began to focus on how the lineup is going to shake out considering the size of the deal.

Clearly, the fanbase is still hoping for another move. Certainly, I can’t argue with them there.

It was a crazy whirlwind of a night for sure. What are your thoughts about this out of nowhere, bonkers move? Vote in our polls and let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Poll

What do you think about Josh Donaldson?

This poll is closed

  • 32%
    Adding a .247/.352/.475 slash line with 26 HR is never a bad thing
    (634 votes)
  • 27%
    I like him, but he’s owed too much money
    (546 votes)
  • 20%
    Not an upgrade over Gio Urshela
    (404 votes)
  • 19%
    This contract will be an albatross
    (394 votes)
1978 votes total Vote Now

Poll

What do you think about Isiah Kiner-Falefa?

This poll is closed

  • 31%
    A solid glove, and I’m hopeful the new coaching staff can unlock his bat
    (586 votes)
  • 22%
    The Yankees needed a shortstop, and now they have one
    (404 votes)
  • 31%
    Hopefully Volpe and friends usurps the position by the summer
    (571 votes)
  • 14%
    At least his name isn’t Andrelton Simmons
    (272 votes)
1833 votes total Vote Now

Poll

What do you think about trading Gio Urshela?

This poll is closed

  • 40%
    He was a good player for two years, but I’m skeptical about his future performance. Better to sell before his stock drops lower
    (730 votes)
  • 20%
    Josh Donaldson is an upgrade. Simple as that
    (367 votes)
  • 18%
    I’ll miss him, but I don’t have strong feelings about the performance on the field
    (336 votes)
  • 20%
    An absolute mistake
    (371 votes)
1804 votes total Vote Now

Poll

What do you think about trading Gary Sánchez?

This poll is closed

  • 49%
    He’s needed a change of scenery for a while now, so no loss
    (894 votes)
  • 4%
    I had him picked as a bounce-back candidate
    (91 votes)
  • 33%
    He’s a free agent after this year and we weren’t going to re-sign him anyway
    (609 votes)
  • 12%
    I’ll miss you, Gary
    (230 votes)
1824 votes total Vote Now

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