With free agency starting promptly, the New York Yankees and the rest of the MLB will be aggressively pursuing talent. It has already been reported that the Yankees could land star first baseman Freddie Freeman, formerly of the Atlanta Braves.
Freeman is coming off a World Series victory, hitting .300 with 31 homers last season. At 31 years old, Freeman is looking for a six-year deal worth over $150 million, and since the Yankees have a bit of money to spend with a luxury tax starting at $230 million, signing him is realistic.
However, the Bombers need support at multiple positions, including starting pitcher and in the outfield. Shortstop remains one of the bigger concerns, but they can only afford to land one big-name free agent this off-season, and if they go with Freeman, you could basically rule out Carlos Correa or Trevor Story.
When focusing on the outfield, Japanese star slugger Seiyu Suzuki makes perfect sense for a lineup at harps on home run hitters.
Suzuki is just 27 years old and will be taking calls from MLB teams to make the transition. His projected salary is $55 million over five years, a number Yankees can consider after allowing Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, and Tyler Wade to walk this off-season.
Suzuki is coming off a phenomenal season with the Hiroshima Carp, hitting .317 with 38 homers and 88 RBIs. His hitting prowess makes him an enticing option for teams with money to spend during the second portion of free agency, and the Yankees were reportedly interested in his services before the lockout.
However, with the return of Aaron Hicks and retention of Joey Gallo up to this point, it is possible the Yankees simply elevate one of their young prospects to serve as depth, maybe Estevan Florial.
Nonetheless, Suzuki also brings over solid defense, recording a .989 fielding percentage last season, featuring in right field. If the Yankees are planning to utilize Giancarlo Stanton in the outfield, Suzuki could fill a designated hitter role early in his tenure, but they would prefer to make him a featured player given his age and potential for growth.