Yankees/Twins Complete an Unexpected Trade
On the night of March 13th, the Yankees and Twins completed a trade that shocked the baseball world. The trade included sending former MVP 3B Josh Donaldson, IF Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and C Ben Rortvedt to the Yankees in exchange for IF Gio Urshela and C Gary Sanchez. This trade came just hours after Yankees skipper, Aaron Boone, stated the landscape could change along the way. Boone couldn’t have been more correct with that statement as it gives the Yankees a total new left side of the infield.
The Yankees View
This trade was a strange one for both clubs. As for the Yankees, it appears they have found their SS in Isiah Kiner-Falefa, to act as a stopgap for their young stud, Anthony Volpe. Barring any other moves, of course. As far as Josh Donaldson goes, this was the strangest out of all the players involved. In June of 2021, Donaldson was on record bashing Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole, for the spider tack scandal. Another element to note, is the Yankees will eat all of Donaldson’s contract which is worth $42 million over the next two years. Completing this trade must be the start of more moves being done by the Bombers as they now are a bit thin at the catcher position. Barring any other moves, newly acquired, Ben Rortvedt and veteran, Kyle Higashioka would be sharing duties behind the plate.
Yankees 3B Josh Donaldson via NJ.com
Josh Donaldson, as stated before, was a surprising piece. Don’t let his contract be the deciding factor, Josh still produces. In 2021, he slashed a .247 BA with a .827 OPS while blasting 26 HR. He also rounded a 3.2 WAR in 2021. Over the years, the Yankees have lacked a lot of intensity in the clubhouse. Who better to get than Josh Donaldson? Josh is a guy who loves the game of baseball and is talked about as a guy who works his tail off to be the best he can be. He also may find himself in a brawl from time to time. A worry the Yankees might find later down the road is his injuries. If Donaldson stays healthy, this could be a nice pickup for the Bombers.
Yankees IF Isiah Kiner-Falefa via The Athletic
Isiah Kiner-Falefa is not going to wow you with his bat, but his defense is the real prize in this trade. Isiah won a Gold Glove Award in 2020 at the age of 26. Leading all MLB SS in total chances (669), assists (436), and double plays turned (98). Isiah has a lot of upside and the Yankees have been linked to him for quite some time now. With the bat, he complied a .271 BA, a .670 OPS, along with 8 HR as well as a 3.7 WAR in 2021. Yankee fans should be excited about what Isiah brings to the game. He’s a grinder, he’s versatile, and he is going to freshen up the Yankees defensive problems that fans have seen way too often over the last few years.
Yankees C Ben Rortvedt via Twinkie Town
Ben Rortvedt is a catcher who made his MLB debut in 2021. Although his stats are not great with Minnesota in just 39 games, Twins were said to have loved Rortvedt who could turn out to be a reliable piece for New York. The Yankees catching instructor worked with Rortvedt in Minnesota and Ben is said to have a developing bat with outstanding defense, something the Yankees have been lacking. As of now, he and Higashioka will platoon behind the dish, given the Yankees have no other options at catcher. Given Rortvedt is not a free agent until 2028, the Yankees have plenty of time to unlock his full potential.
The Twins View
This move for the Twins was quite confusing. Last year, Minnesota finished dead last in the AL Central with a measly record of 73-89. Many expected the Twins to go into rebuild mode, but with their recent moves as well as rumors, people are uncertain if that’s the case. Along with this trade, Sonny Gray was recently acquired by Minnesota who has some good stuff as a pitcher. They also are now being rumored in the Trevor Story sweepstakes.
Twins C Gary Sanchez via Yanks Go Yard
Gary Sanchez was a player who many weren't sure was going to be traded, after-all, he was. Coming from the Dominican Republic, he is now reunited with his old friend, Miguel Sano. Sanchez and Sano were toted as the two top 16-year-old’s from the DR and was projected to be swept up quickly. Sanchez broke out as a power catcher with New York but has been fading the last couple years. In 2021, Sanchez compiled a .204 BA along with a .730 OPS, along with 23 HR. Gary’s defense was the downfall of him in Pinstripes for another season. He became a liability behind the dish and gave up on running out the play here and there. Gary will forever be known as a part of the “baby bomber” era and is still a hard worker in improving his game. What Sanchez needed was a change of scenery and he got just that.
Twins 3B/SS Bio Urshela via ESPN
Gio Urshela was a shock to Yankee fans. In 2018, he was traded to New York for cash considerations from the Blue Jays. The trade couldn’t have worked out better for Gio as he blossomed into a nice 3B option for the Yankees. In 2021, Gio had a .261 BA, a .744 OPS, and 14 HR. Gio is known to play with heart, hustle, and is praised for his glove at the hot corner. Urshela might not be a well-known name, but the Twins are getting a guy who works just as hard as the big-name players.