The New York Yankees recently made cuts to their 40-man roster to accommodate the signings of three players, with two of the cut players, Oscar González and Jeter Downs, clearing waivers and returning to the organization. Meanwhile, Bubba Thompson, the third player who was cut, will be joining the Minnesota Twins due to his elite speed.
Why It Matters
The return of González and Downs to the Yankees provides them with an opportunity to rebuild their value and potentially contribute as depth pieces, while Thompson’s departure to the Twins highlights the impact of elite singular skills in roster decisions.
By the Numbers
- Oscar González hit .287 with 13 homers at Triple-A Columbus last year
- Downs had a promising MLB level performance in 2022 with a 125 OPS+
State of Play
- Oscar González and Jeter Downs will start the season with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
- Bubba Thompson will be joining the Minnesota Twins as a potential pinch-running outfield option
Bottom Line
The return of González and Downs to the Yankees provides the opportunity for them to prove their value, while Thompson’s departure underscores the importance of specific skills in roster decisions.