The Yankees’ offseason decisions that kept a disastrous spring from spiraling

Somehow, the Yankees’ spring from hell is transitioning into a summer of fun.

Brian Cashman — on the wrong (and unfair) end of slings, arrows and worse for years — isn’t heading to his 28th straight winning season as GM on a fluke. But, considering the devastating spring that saw ace Gerrit Cole, Cooperstown-bound slugger Giancarlo Stanton and Rookie of the Year Luis Gil go out — Cole’s gone for the year, the others still recovering — it’s still impressive they are five games up in a formerly formidable AL East.

Here’s a rundown of the best of the big decisions …

1. Max Fried

Sure, their pockets were full after Juan Soto surprised them by turning down $760 million and leaving, but they look very wise to move quickly from their seven-year, $190M or so bid for Fried to meet the Cy Young leader’s $218M, eight-year request to beat the rival Red Sox and Rangers, who were also offering seven.