The Yankees aren’t done making moves, despite general manager Brian Cashman acquiring Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon over the past week and a half. Bolstering the starting pitching rotation was a necessity, as the unit struggled in 2020 with injuries and inconsistencies. However, despite several starters rehabilitating from injury, the unit is now composed with more talent and potential than before.
Cashman isn’t done maneuvering just yet, though, as there are other positions that still need a bit of support. The outfield could use another player, and while the consensus is that they will retain veteran OF Brett Gardner for one more season, they could go in a different direction after clearing up $8.15 million in the Adam Ottavino trade.
The easiest player for the Yankees to bring back is Gardner, who’s club option for the 2021 season was rejected. Instead, Cashman elected to buy him out at $2.5 million, and offering him a one year deal in the $4-5 range makes way more sense. With ownership trying to stay under the $210 million luxury tax threshold, every cent counts, so saving even $3-4 million with Gardner on a one year deal is beneficial.
The only issue, they are better left-handed hitters on the market than Gardy at this point in his career. At 37 years old in 2020, he posted a .223 average with five homers and 15 RBIs. He did land a career-high 16.5% walk percentage and just previously set a personal record with 28 homers and 74 RBIs in 2019. Gardner is a consistent face that remains healthy and provides some offensive support, and the Yankees have always been loyal to him. I fully expect them to bring back Brett instead of scouring the market for a different player.
If Cashman elects to go in a different direction, one alternative is Josh Reddick, who spent the last four seasons with the Houston Astros. Over 56 games in 2020, he recorded a .245 average with four homers and 23 RBIs.
Aside from his most recent campaign, Reddick has recorded eight consecutive seasons with double-digit HRs. The Yankees like to add sluggers and improve their probability of hitting long balls, and Reddick can provide a small spark in that category. He’s not going to rack up 20+ homers per season at this point in his career, but he is a consistent option who might be a bit more cost-efficient.
If the Yankees are looking to add power, Eddie Rosario could fit the bill. Over 57 games, he had 13 homers and 14 RBIs with the Minnesota Twins this past season. He has been a double-digit HR hitter his entire career, logging 32 in 2019 and 24 in 2018. He’s never gone below a .257 average, which he recorded in 2020. Defensively, he has played in almost every outfield spot, giving him the versatility the Yankees need as they consistently deal with injuries.
This past year, he allowed two errors and logged 84 put-outs over 51 games, earning a .978 fielding percentage. He’s a consistent option that Cashman might consider as an alternative. Some might even say Rosario is an underrated defender, with +9 Defensive Runs Saved, +2.9 UZR/150) over 4848 career innings as a left fielder.
This post was published on 2021-01-27 08:00
