NY Yankees free agency 2023-24: free players, targets, interests…
The Yankees had a stinker of a season, but are just a few key components away from contention. We look at their possible targets and who they should avoid.
There are very few franchises in world sport who will always be in the running to make big signings. Real Madrid, Manchester United, the Dallas Cowboys, and of course the New York Yankees all fall into this category. They are mega teams, almost bigger than their respective sport itself. Legendary, they are in with a shout to sign the biggest stars, almost without regard to the current circumstance.
Let’s not mince words. The Yankees are coming off a terrible season. But they are not undone, certainly not in the way that they were in the 80s and 90s, when they were swimming at the very bottom of the American League for over a decade. In fact, they are probably only one or two key components away from contention.
Who might they target in the off season, then? Where will they focus their efforts? Here are some players who I think could be key for the Bronx Bombers.
Before we start, let’s get the obvious elephant in the room out of the way. Shohei Ohtani. While it is unwise to say “never”, I think it almost certain that the Yankees will not get Ohtani into pinstripes.
There are several reasons for this opinion, from his own reported preferences to the fact that the Yankees seem to be shy of the kind of long-term contract that he will command. They won’t be happy with anything over ten years, and he won’t be happy with anything less.
Without his work on the mound, Ohtani is a potential big bat for New York, but he will want a contract that dwarfs Aaron Judge’s monumental signing and as a hitter alone, that makes him a pricey proposition. If you want bang for your buck, then the Yankees will be better served by focusing on Cody Bellinger.
The Cubs man is two years out of a shoulder surgery that looks to have healed nicely. He hit .307 with 26 home runs, 29 doubles, and an .881 OPS. And all of that from the left side.
Another high target for the Yankees should be Yoshinbu Yamamoto. The 25-year-old Orix Buffaloes ace has just completed his third consecutive season with a sub-two ERA. He is the top pitcher in Japan, and for a team that suffers from fielding too many veterans - who in turn spend a lot of time injured - his youth should be a big factor in the Yankees chase for him. The market will be extremely hot, but the Yankees will be one of the few teams who can bid hard for him.
There are a few players that the Yankees would like, but probably have no chance of signing - think Jordan Montgomery here - and a few that they could probably sign, but would be better steering clear of. Josh Hader comes to mind.
Interestingly, either Joc Pederson or Tommy Pham could be an interesting backup plan to Cody Bellinger, and while it is a stretch, there exists the possibility that they could wind up team mates, after their “handbags at ten paces” face slap incident last year.
While there is no indication that Aaron Boone’s job is in any danger, one of the best moves that the Yankees could make would be to look long term to getting a more instinct-driven manager in the dugout. Bengie Gil could be a great fit.