TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — George Steinbrenner and the New York Yankees once made a habit of winning the offseason. Not coincidentally, they won a lot of titles, too.
It hasn’t happened since 2009, when splashy signings CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira helped New York “buy” its 27th World Series championship.
“The Boss” died a year later. Since then, the sport the Yankees once dominated with big expenditures has instead become all about efficiency. While the Bronx Bombers will still run one of baseball’s highest payrolls in 2022, it has been odd to watch New York stand by while this year’s top free agents have gone to the Minnesota Twins (Carlos Correa), Texas Rangers (Corey Seager and Marcus Semien) and of course, the crosstown Mets (Max Scherzer).
In fact, second-year Mets owner Steve Cohen seems intent on filling the void Steinbrenner left behind as the Big Apple’s biggest spender, willing to pursue a championship at any price.
But what is winning the offseason even worth? To get an idea, here’s a look at clubs who have “won” the offseason since it last worked for the Yankees:
2009-10
Offseason Winners: Seattle Mariners
World Series Winners: San Francisco Giants
Relieved to have Adrian Beltre’s $64 million, five-year deal off the books — yes, really — Seattle sent a trio of prospects to Philadelphia for 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, signed Chone Figgins for $36 million and acquired Milton Bradley from the Cubs. They also locked up ace Félix Hernández on a $78 million, five-year deal. Those Mariners won 61 games — a clean swing and a miss.
2010-11
Offseason Winners: Boston Red Sox
World Series Winners: St. Louis Cardinals
Boston acquired All-Star slugger Adrían González from San Diego for three minor leaguers, including Anthony Rizzo, then signed speedy outfielder Carl Crawford for $142 million. They won 90 games, but the fit wasn’t right, and the Red Sox dumped both players to the Dodgers in August 2012.
2011-12
Offseason Winners: Los Angeles Angels
World Series Winners: San Francisco Giants
Several teams made big splashes: Prince Fielder signed with Detroit for $214 million, the Marlins dropped $191 million on free agents Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell, and of course, the Angels lured Albert Pujols away from St. Louis for $240 million over 10 years — and added C.J. Wilson for $77.5 million. The Angels won 89 games and finished third in the AL West. The Giants, whose top winter add was Melky Cabrera, won the World Series for the second time in four years.
2012-13
Offseason Winners: Toronto Blue Jays
