The New York Yankees’ offense was extremely disappointing in 2021, and everybody in the organization is aware of that. So far, the primary measure taken to change this situation has been dismissing former hitting coach Marcus Thames and replacing him with analytics-driven Dillon Lawson, who oversaw the Yanks’ minor league hitting from 2018 to 2021.
That’s a good start, for sure, but the Yankees also need fresh faces. Sure, they are betting on Lawson to help DJ LeMahieu (100 wRC+), Gleyber Torres (94 wRC+), Joey Gallo (95 wRC+), Gary Sanchez (99 wRC+), Gio Urshela (96 wRC+) and other struggling performers regain their best form, but the team could certainly use another powerful slugger.
Pat Ragazzo of SI.com offered the idea of entertaining the signing of free agent thumper Kyle Schwarber, who player with the Boston Red Sox during last year’s second half after coming over from Washington via trade.
A questionable fit on the field, but a perfect one for the Yankees’ lineup
It’s evident that there is no clear defensive fit for Schwarber on the Yankees, because he is primarily a left fielder, and not a very good one. Ragazzo thinks, however, he can split time with Giancarlo Stanton between left field and the designated hitter spot.
With the bat, he is clearly a difference-maker, and since he is left-handed, he would fit in nicely in the lineup and take advantage of the short porch at the same time. Last season, between the Nats and Sox, he slugged 32 homers and had a .928 OPS.
The writer also recommends the Yankees re-signing Anthony Rizzo if they can’t lure Freddie Freeman. “Regardless, by signing both Schwarber and Rizzo, the Yankees would be creating much-needed balance in a right-handed heavy lineup. And these two lefty hitters would bolster their offense by providing a pair of dangerous power bats in the middle of the order,” he stated.
Do you like the idea of Kyle Schwarber playing for the Yankees?