austine romine

Free Agency updates: Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman looking to bring back Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances, Austin Romine

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New York Yankees, Didi Gregorius

The end of the 2019 season didn’t just knock the Yankees out of the ALCS and back to their respective homes, but it put several players on the free agency market, including Didi Gregorius, Dellin Betances, and Austin Romine.

Last season inevitably played a significant part in the probability of retention for the three players, as Gregorius returned from Tommy John surgery, Betances tore his Achilles late in September, and Romine had influential outings in place of Gary Sanchez throughout the year.

Both Didi and Dellin are unlikely to return after struggling to either remain healthy or consistent. Gregorius finished the season with a .238 batting average but did smash 16 homers over 324 at-bats. The issue revolving around the veteran shortstop is his price-tag. The Yankees rejected his qualifying offer this offseason, making him a free agent.

However, general manager Brian Cashman has been working the phones in regards to the three free agents preparing to take their talents elsewhere.

The value Didi has goes beyond the playing field or standing in the batter’s box. He’s a force in the locker room and is one of the most respected players by the fans.

The Phillies have been connected with all three of the Yankees free agents, as manager Joe Girardi even advocated for Gregorius, who could end up moving up the street to Philadelphia.

Per MLB.com:

“I’ve always been a big fan of Didi and what he’s been able to accomplish,” Girardi said. “You have to remember, I got him when he first came over and he was replacing a legend [in Derek Jeter] and how difficult that was, and to see the growth that he made was really pleasing to me. … He’s a real character guy and he’s a real hard worker that is a really important clubhouse presence. I felt that he was important to the clubhouse in New York in what he brought every day.”

Gregorius is the best available shortstop on the market, which increases his price-tag exponentially. The Yankees have Gleyber Torres waiting in the wings to supplement his loss, but his defense is still in need of refinement. Giving him the keys to the castle at SS seems like the more logical move, but Gregorius has been valuable over the past few seasons, forcing Cashman to consider a comeback.

Yankees preparing to lose three free agent players to the Phillies

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New York Yankees, Dellin Betances

The Yankees have shown little interest this offseason in bringing back three free-agent players. Dellin Betances, who tore his Achilles late last season after working his way back from numerous ailments, Didi Gregorius, who’s qualifying offer was rejected by the Yankees and is thought to be too expensive, and backup catcher Austine Romine, all sit available in free agency.

The Philadelphia Phillies have been connected to all three, as stealing some of the Yankees’ mojo and locker-room atmosphere might do them some good. According to the NY Post, there has been continuous interest in the three Yankee players mentioned above, and they all may end up featuring on the same team once again.

The Yankees could fight their way into the mix for Betances:

On his contract year, Betances going down with a significant injury made earning a multi-year deal almost impossible. He will likely receive a one-year, “prove it” deal to ensure he can still pitch with quality. The righty arm was an All-Star from 2014-17, which should be taken into consideration. If he remained healthy last season, there’s no question Betances would be the top option on the market.

However, the Yankees would be foolish not to offer him a low-ball deal to try and retain his skill-set. Dellin would potentially forfeit playing for a World Series-caliber team in search of more money on a kicker contract anyway, so remaining with a familiar club might be in his best interest.

General manager Brian Cashman could offer him a one-year, $10 million deal to retain his services, which could come in handy next season if he returns to full health.

Gregorius, on the other hand, is the best shortstop free agent on the market, which drives his price-tag up significantly. The Yankees have Gleyber Torres, their future at the position, ready to take over if they feel comfortable with his defense. Unloading that type of money for a shortstop coming off Tommy John surgery and failed to hit over .250 last season is unadvisable.

Romine, who was a capable backup behind Gary Sanchez, is considered expendable. The Yankees like Kyle Higashioka, so we should expect him to be slotted in at the backup spot for the foreseeable future.

New York Yankees: Why is Kyle Higashioka shining in starting role?

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New York Yankees, Kyle Higashioka

While New York Yankees reserve catcher Kyle Higashioka has virtually no chance at replacing regular starter Gary Sanchez, it’s worth taking a look at how impressive he’s been in such a small sample size.

Hitting .256 on the year after a five-RBI performance against the Baltimore Orioles, Kyle is looking like he can be an everyday player for the Bombers. Given Sanchez and his impressive home run totals will take his place, but there’s no denying that Higashioka is not only hitting well but playing solid defense as well.

This season, Sanchez has thrown out 7-of-28 stolen bases attempted, while Higi is 3-for-11. They have a similar percentage in that category. However, their offensive production is an interesting topic.

The New York Yankees have an unusual situation at catcher:

Gary is boasting a .229 batting average with 24 homers and 58 RBIs. His numbers look solid aside from his norm, which unveils his struggles. The starting catcher has struck out 90 times this season, four less than his 87-game total from 2018.

Overall, Sanchez’s offense has improved a minimal amount, but his defense has taken a significant step forward. The Yankees have managed to extract the most out of career-average players this season. It seems they’re doing the same with Higashioka, as Gio Urshela, Cameron Maybin, and Mike Tauchman have all evolved into impact players.

Whether the Yanks have a killer psychologist helping these athletes find their best self or the Pinstripes are magical — whatever it is, it’s working.

Despite the success of the backup catcher, Sanchez will be returning in a few days after spending a few weeks on the injured list with a strained groin. With Gary out, Austine Romine and Kyle have earned more playing time and reps, which have helped them develop consistency.

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“This time around, other than [Tuesday, when Romine started for the second straight night] we have been going every other day,’’ Higashioka said. “That’s nice because you don’t have to worry about timing as much.’’

As for manager Aaron Boone:

“I just think we have a lot of confidence in both guys,’’ Boone said. “When you split it up, I feel those guys are in a really good place. Keeping these guys fresh, obviously catching is a little more demanding. It’s a belief that both guys are going to impact us.’’