DALLAS (AP) – Hal Steinbrenner says the New York Yankees are starting to get the influx of homegrown young talent into the big leagues that will eventually help them get their payroll below the luxury tax threshold and still win games.
During a break at the MLB owners’ meeting Wednesday, Steinbrenner acknowledged it’s not easy to be patient as young players develop, especially in a market like New York.
But the Yankees owner says players like right-hander Luis Severino and infielder Greg Bird did great when they joined the big league team. Both played parts in the Yankees this season getting back to the postseason after a two-year absence.
Steinbrenner also knows the Yankees will have more payroll flexibility in future seasons when they out from under some long-term, big-dollar contracts. New York’s luxury tax payroll was about $241 million this year, putting the Yankees on track for a tax of approximately $26 million.