KEY POINTS

  • The Yankees acquire Donaldson and Kiner-Filefa to boost infield needs
  • The Twins are keeping Sanchez who is expected to take the spot of Garver
  • The Yankees opt not to explore the availability of Correa and Story

With the MLB lockout over, a flurry of transactions has started in recent days.

The most recent one involved the New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins. The two MLB teams moved several players from their respective sides on Sunday, March 13.

In a Twitter post, the Twins announced that they have acquired the services of Gary Sanchez and Gio Urshela in exchange for Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Ben Rortvedt.

However, it is worth noting that as far as the Yankees are concerned, they will also inherit the remaining $50 million owed to the 36-year-old third baseman.

Josh Donaldson #20 of the Minnesota Twins
Josh Donaldson #20 of the Minnesota Twins Getty Images | David Berding

Donaldson is no stranger playing in the American League East. He won the prestigious MVP award when he was still with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Last season, the three-time all-star hit .247/.352/.475 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs in 135 games with the Twins.

Kiner-Falefa will be moving for the second time in as many days. Before the latest trade, the 26-year-old shortstop was sent to Minnesota by the Texas Rangers.

As for Rortvedt, he posted a .510 OPS across 39 contests for the Twins last MLB season.

The deal also addresses the Yankees' need for a shortstop. Gleyber Torres was moved to second base last September, and speculation grew that New York would try and get one from free agency.

However, it appears Yankees general manager Brian Cashman was a bit hesitant, particularly in committing to a multi-year deal to either Carlos Correa or Trevor Story, MLB.com reported.

On the other end, Sanchez is expected to take over from catcher Mike Garver. The 31-year-old was traded to the Rangers in the Kiner-Falefa deal.

In 2021, the 29-year-old catcher has his share of struggles on the plate. The Dominican hit .204/.307/.423 with 23 home runs and 54 RBIs in 117 games.

Furthermore, Minnesota reportedly has no plans of trading Sanchez after acquiring him from the Yankees.

Sanchez is expected to split time with catcher Ryan Jeffers per a report from Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Meanwhile, Urshela hit .267/.301/.419 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs over 116 contests last campaign for New York.

Gary Sanchez New York Yankees
The New York Yankees kick off MLB Opening Day 2017 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Pictured: Gary Sanchez celebrates his two-run home run against the Boston Red Sox with teammate Jacoby Ellsbury at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 27, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Getty Images
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