If the Yankees have any hopes of contending in 2017, they will need a vintage performance from CC Sabathia.
No longer the staff ace, Sabathia is on the comeback trail from offseason knee surgery.
Based on the photos at the top of the story, the knee isn’t keeping Sabathia from getting around early in spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla.
AL scout on Yankees
Here’s a quick list of the Yankees’ main offseason moves:
Signed closer Aroldis Chapman to a five-year, $86-million deal
— Adding Chapman to a unit with Dellin Betances has once again given the Yankees one of the league’s best bullpen back ends.
Traded catcher Brian McCann and $11 million to Houston for two prospects
— The team moved McCann at what was likely his peak trade value, considering Gary Sanchez took the job last season from the veteran, who’s stated his preference to be a starter. The trade netted the Yankees right-hander Albert Abreu, whom MLB.com ranks as the team’s 10th best prospect.
Signed DH Matt Holliday to a one-year, $13-million deal
— Trading McCann opened the DH spot for Holliday, a seven-time All-Star out to prove he’s still got something left in his once-potent bat. Holliday is also expected to provide occasional coverage in the outfield corners and at first base.
Won’t talk extension with Masahiro Tanaka
The 28-year-old ace can become a free agent at season’s end, when he can opt out of the seven-year, $155-million deal he signed before the 2014 season.
Will go to arbitration with Dellin Betances
— The Yankees and Betances have a $2-million gulf between how much each expects the three-time All-Star reliever to get paid in 2017, his first year through salary arbitration. The Yankees want to give Betances $3 million. Betances wants $5 million.
Signed Chris Carter to a one-year, $3-million deal
— Carter will hope to split playing time with first baseman Greg Bird and Holliday.
1st day of Yankees spring training
(NJ Advance Media’s Brendan Kuty contributed to this report.)
Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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