For two years, the Yankees moved deftly through an uncharacteristic rebuilding process, establishing a growing nucleus of inexpensive and talented young players that seemed to defy the team’s long-established identity as one of the biggest spenders in baseball.
But always lurking below the surface was the signature desire to bust open the vault and grab the best, and most expensive, player available. And now the Yankees have done just that.
On Saturday, they reverted to form by agreeing to a trade with the Miami Marlins for Giancarlo Stanton, the slugging outfielder and reigning National League most valuable player.