The New York Yankees—one of the most storied franchises in the history of Major League Baseball—have long been known for their willingness to spend big. From the days of George Steinbrenner’s lavish spending sprees to the current era, the team’s financial muscle has been a cornerstone of their success. But lately, something has shifted. The Yankees are being called out for being *cheap*, and not just by fans or analysts—an MLB reporter recently blasted the team for their apparent reluctance to invest big in their roster.
What’s behind the growing sentiment that the Yankees are no longer the financial powerhouse they once were? And why are some MLB insiders now calling the team “cheap” when it comes to spending? Let’s break it down.
### A Legacy of Big Spending
For decades, the Yankees were synonymous with spending. Under the ownership of George Steinbrenner, the franchise became known for its willingness to throw money at big-name free agents and trade targets. Whether it was luring Reggie Jackson in the 1970s or signing Alex Rodriguez to a record-breaking deal in the early 2000s, the Yankees were always willing to pay top dollar for talent. In fact, for a long time, the Yankees didn’t just have the highest payroll in baseball—they had the highest payroll by a wide margin.
But in recent years, the Yankees have shifted away from this “spend at all costs” mentality. While their payroll is still among the highest in the league, their approach has become more restrained, leading to a noticeable shift in how they handle financial matters. And that’s exactly what’s fueling criticism from fans, analysts, and now an MLB reporter who called the Yankees’ approach downright “cheap.”
### The Blistering Critique: “The New York Freaking Yankees”
The tipping point came during an exchange between an MLB reporter and a frustrated fanbase. The reporter, in a candid moment of frustration, took aim at the Yankees’ perceived reluctance to spend money on upgrading their roster. “The New York *Freaking* Yankees,” the reporter said, “the team that once had the highest payroll in baseball, now act like a small-market club. They’re pinching pennies, avoiding big-money contracts, and it’s honestly embarrassing.”
This sharp critique reflects a growing sense of disillusionment among those who have long associated the Yankees with financial dominance and big moves. While teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres have continued to embrace their financial might, the Yankees have pulled back from what many see as their “rightful” place as one of baseball’s top spenders.
The reporter’s use of the expletive “Freaking” to describe the team shows just how much frustration has built up in the media regarding the Yankees’ new financial restraint. It speaks to a larger feeling that the team, with all its history, resources, and market value, shouldn’t be playing small ball when it comes to free agency and roster construction.
### The Roots of the Yankees’ Frugality
So, what’s driving this shift in the Yankees’ financial philosophy? Several factors have come into play, but here are a few key points:
#### 1. **Luxury Tax Concerns**
In recent years, the Yankees have made it clear that they’re focused on avoiding the luxury tax threshold. In MLB, the luxury tax serves as a penalty for teams that exceed a certain payroll limit, and the Yankees, under general manager Brian Cashman, have made a concerted effort to keep their payroll just under that threshold. While this is a strategy employed by many teams in an effort to maintain long-term financial health, it has raised eyebrows given the Yankees’ vast revenue streams and history of spending.
Critics argue that the Yankees’ reluctance to go over the luxury tax is not about financial prudence, but about avoiding paying penalties that would not be a significant burden for a team with their financial resources. The result is a roster that feels incomplete at times, as the Yankees opt not to go after high-priced talent that could help them win now.
#### 2. **Youth Movement and Analytics**
Another key factor in the Yankees’ shift toward cost-consciousness is their growing reliance on young talent and analytics. The team has made a concerted effort to develop homegrown talent and supplement it with a data-driven approach to roster construction. While this has helped the team remain competitive, it has also led to an increasing reliance on cheaper, younger players rather than splashing the cash on big-name free agents.
For example, the Yankees have repeatedly chosen to stick with their internal options at positions like shortstop and center field, rather than signing the top free agents on the market. This strategy has worked in some cases, but it’s also left the team lacking in certain areas. While analytics have helped the Yankees identify undervalued players, the question remains: is it enough to rely solely on this strategy, or do the Yankees need to open their wallets to stay competitive?
#### 3. **Increased Competition from Other Big-Spending Teams**
Another layer to the Yankees’ financial strategy is the rise of other teams with deep pockets. The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, and other high-budget teams have stepped up their spending, putting more pressure on the Yankees to keep up. The Mets, for instance, have become one of the top spenders in the league under new owner Steve Cohen, regularly adding top-tier talent and giving the Yankees a run for their money in the Big Apple. The Yankees have often been accused of being more conservative in their spending, perhaps due to a desire to avoid overspending and out-bidding their rivals.
But as the Mets, Padres, and others continue to flex their financial muscles, the Yankees are increasingly seen as passive by comparison. This shift from being the “big spender” to merely being “competitor” has added fuel to the criticism that the Yankees are no longer playing at the same financial level as their biggest rivals.
### Key Areas Where the Yankees Are Being Criticized
The criticism of the Yankees for being “cheap” is rooted in several areas where the team has been perceived as less aggressive than usual:
#### 1. **Free-Agent Spending**
Despite being in need of a few key upgrades, particularly at positions like shortstop and the starting rotation, the Yankees have not been as active in free agency in recent years. Their biggest move in the 2022-2023 offseason was re-signing Aaron Judge, which was a major victory for the team, but beyond that, they didn’t make any high-profile acquisitions.
#### 2. **Trade Inactivity**
The Yankees have also been criticized for their lack of bold trade moves. Other contenders have made big trades to bolster their rosters, while the Yankees have often remained on the sidelines. The lack of significant moves at the trade deadline or in the offseason has left many wondering if the team is truly committed to building a championship-caliber roster.
#### 3. **Roster Imbalances**
While the Yankees boast a high payroll, they have areas of the roster that are underperforming or in need of serious upgrades. Shortstop, for example, has been a weak spot for years. Yet, instead of acquiring an elite player to fill that gap, the Yankees have opted to give younger, less experienced players a chance. This has led to inconsistencies at key positions, leaving fans frustrated by the lack of urgency.
### The Bottom Line
The Yankees, once the model of financial power in MLB, now find themselves at the center of criticism for their perceived cheapness. With more teams than ever before willing to open their checkbooks to build competitive rosters, the Yankees’ reluctance to do so is increasingly being called into question.
While it’s clear the team still has the financial resources to spend big, the question remains whether they will continue to prioritize financial flexibility over splurging on big-name talent. The Yankees’ legacy of winning is built on bold moves and a willingness to do whatever it takes to win now. If they want to maintain that legacy, they might need to start thinking bigger—and spend like the “Freaking” Yankees once did.