Surprising blockbuster benefits Yankees across the board

Brian Cashman had us all fooled.

The New York Yankees general manager led us to believe he wouldn't be a major player ahead of the non-waiver trade deadline - saying his club would be "careful buyers" - but then proceeded to pull the trigger on an absolute blockbuster Tuesday night.

While much of the talk surrounding the Yankees had them looking at minor upgrades, Cashman had other ideas. He landed relievers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, along with third baseman Todd Frazier from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for reliever Tyler Clippard and prospects Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, and Tito Polo.

The trade certainly changes the landscape in the American League East, as the stumbling Yankees received a jolt of life and should be viewed as not only true contenders in the division, but also in the AL.

Here's a look at the many ways the Yankees will benefit from the deal:

Spreading the workload

The Yankees had real concerns about keeping their bullpen fresh.

Aroldis Chapman spent over a month on the disabled list across May and June with a shoulder injury, and manager Joe Girardi acknowledged last week that his closer's heavy workload from the World Series with the Cubs may be affecting him this season. Meanwhile, Dellin Betances has thrown 277 innings over the past four seasons - more than any reliever in the majors - and showed fatigue down the stretch last year.

Adding Robertson, an effective closer who's enjoyed success in New York, and Kahnle, who's been excellent all season, gives Girardi four relievers who can pitch late in games, along with added flexibility should he want to stay away from Chapman or Betances on any given night to keep them fresh.

Some teams don't have one reliable closer; the Yankees now have three.

Building sustainable success

Not only did Cashman position his club to make a run at the postseason this year, but the acquisitions of Robertson and Kahnle give him a dominant bullpen for 2018, as well.

Robertson is owed $13 million in 2018 before hitting free agency, while Kahnle is under team control through 2020, leaving the core four intact for next season when the Yankees will begin to really show off their prospect pool.

Frazier is a free agent at the end of this campaign, but keeping the bullpen together is much more important for the Yankees than clogging up the corner infield. Chase Headley is under contract next season, while first baseman Greg Bird and third-base prospect Miguel Andujar are expected to contribute during 2018.

Converting Betances to jack of all trades

Cashman has shown an affection for building dominant bullpens in the past - he combined the trio of Chapman, Betances, and Andrew Miller back in 2015 - and this latest move follows that blueprint.

Girardi will likely move Robertson into a setup role in front of Chapman, meaning he'll be able to use Betances as a Swiss Army knife.

BETANCES SPLITS

Betances excelled in that type of role in 2015 and 2016 when pitching in the earlier innings, and again becomes a major weapon at Girardi's disposal.

Disarming their enemy

Not only will the Yankees benefit from landing the productive trio, but they also hurt a key rival in the process.

The division-leading Red Sox were long rumored to be strong suitors for Frazier, who would have aided their desperate need for power and filled a gaping hole at third base. Boston will now need to focus its attention on the second tier of available infielders - Jed Lowrie, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Martin Prado - none of whom would fit as perfectly as Frazier.

Of course, Frazier will also certainly help the Yankees. It's expected he'll get time at first base, and his .761 OPS will further boost a club that already ranks seventh in the majors in home runs.

Keeping top-prospect pool deep

Cashman has stockpiled assets in recent years and was able to show off the Yankees' deep system in this deal.

New York wasn't forced to trade away any young players from its major-league roster and managed to retain Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier, James Kaprielian, Jorge Mateo, and Justus Sheffield.

The Yankees were forced to part ways with their No. 3 prospect, Blake Rutherford, but outfield is a long-term position of strength for New York with Aaron Judge, Dustin Fowler, and Frazier on the payroll ... and potentially Bryce Harper in 2019.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)