The Yankees were one of the quietest clubs at this week’s winter meetings. This lack of action has to do with the team’s restricted budget as they keep an eye on the luxury tax threshold.

New York was already expected to be in a tight situation before word of Alex Rodriguez’s injury was released. Now the Yankees will have to pay A-Rod his significant salary to sit on the bench and recover for what’s believed to be at least the first half of the season.

Beyond their new vacancy at third base, the Yankees also lost two outfielders to free agency in Nick Swisher and Ichiro Suzuki. In order to find the payroll flexibility to fill both voids this winter New York may have to trade someone in order to free up salary. They could also deal a younger player to help fill the needs and forgo free agency.