Saturday, November 10, 2018

Yankees Offseason Shopping List

Starting Pitcher

Potential Targets:

Patrick-Corbin-042518-Getty-FTR.jpg
Photo: Getty Images

Patrick Corbin

While some say that he isn't a number one quality pitcher, Corbin could be just the right fit for the Yankees whom find themselves in need of a steady left hander in the rotation. He did put up decent numbers this past season (11-7 3.15 ERA in 200 innings) for an underachieving Diamondbacks team, and it does help that he has always wanted to return home and play for his favorite team growing up. Look for Cashman to crank up his pursuit of Corbin in the upcoming weeks.

New York Yankees starting pitcher J.A. Happ delivers against the Texas Rangers during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in New York. (AP Photo | Julie Jacobson)
Photo: Julie Jacobson/AP
J.A. Happ

Outside of his poor performance in the division series, Happ proved to be a great deadline pickup for the Yankees as he posted a 7-0 record with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts. With CC Sabathia returning, some may say that it wouldn't make sense to bring another veteran lefty into the fold when you could find younger option. Still, the benefits of having a skilled pitcher around could pay some decent dividends in a long season.

Photo: Bob Levey/Getty
Dallas Keuchel

The former pitching nemesis of the Yankees hasn't been quite as strong since his Cy Young campaign in 2015, but he still has a lot to offer as a starter. Keuchel proved to be a healthy workhorse this season, making all 34 of his starts which was a big question mark for him coming into the season. The Yankees could look to add him should the opportunity present itself.

Photo: Jm Rogash/Getty Images

Nathan Eovaldi

Eovaldi was certainly a big surprise in 2018 as he helped lead the rival Red Sox to a World Series title. He spent two seasons with the Yankees before being shut down and subsequently released after tearing his UCL in August 2016. After missing all of 2017, it appears the 28-year-old is looking stronger than ever and it certainly warrant a second look from the Pinstripes, even if it will probably come at a steeper price.

Shortstop

Potential Targets:

Dodgers Defeat Brewers, 6-4, in Manny Machado's Debut
Photo: Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Manny Machado

The likely top free agent target of the 2018 offseason is looking for a record-breaking contract and is drawing interest from teams all around the league. At just 26 years old it would make sense for the Yankees to give him the chance to patrol the hallowed position for a decade of more. However, the presence of fan favorite Didi Gregorious (despite his recent elbow surgery) coupled with Machado's admitted lack of hustle at times could put the Yankees off. Is the team willing to invest $200-$300 million in a player like Machado? Perhaps, but only time will tell.

Photo: Mike Mulholland/MLive
Jose Iglesias

If the Yankees are worried about Gregorious's long term health but don't want to break the bank on a quality fill in player, Iglesias would fit that role well. He's been very sure-handed in his career and while he may not provide the pop Didi does, he still had the ability to swing a steady bat

Outfield

Potential Targets:

Sep 16, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Andrew McCutchen (26) hits a home run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports (Catalina Fragoso)
Photo: Catalina Fragoso/USA Today Sports

Andrew McCutchen

McCutchen spent the latter part of 2018 with the Yankees after being acquired at the deadline from San Francisco. Cashman has said that he would love to bring him back "for a reasonable price" if possible. If the 9-year veteran is willing to return to New York in 2019, it's surely worth a shot.

Baltimore Orioles' Adam Jones watches his two-run home run off Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 3, 2018, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Photo: Eric Christian Smith/AP

Adam Jones

Brett Gardner will likely be in a platoon role, so it makes sense for the Yankees to be in the market for an everyday player whom proved he can still put up good numbers (.281 15 HR 65 RBI this season) and give stability to their lineup without totally breaking the bank.

MLB Trade Rumors, Red Sox, Bryce Harper
Photo: Getty Images
Bryce Harper

As the biggest name (other than Machado) to hit free agency this offseason, Harper will certainly have the attention of nearly every team in the majors. Adding him would make an already powerful lineup even more potent. The big question for the Bombers is if they’re willing to shell out big money for player like Harper, given the clubs recent history of giving contracts to young stars before (i.e. Alex Rodriguez), The Yankees could air on the side of caution before opening negotiations with the 26-year-old phenom. Then again, they could decide to take the aggressive approach and embark on the creation of the most star studded and expensive outfield in modern baseball history.