Freddie Freeman

New York Yankees: Don’t waste time, all the news in one place

December 20, 2021 by William Parlee

Yankee slugger Aaron Judge makes bold prediction

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has been full of surprises this off-season. So far, the headline is that he married his long-time girlfriend, Samantha Bracksieck two weekends ago in a secret tropical wedding at Maui, Hawaii. But, that’s not all; he has now made a bold prediction.

Last season Judge had a beast of a season, carrying the team on his back, in his first fully healthy season since 2017. He hit .287 with 39 home runs while batting in nearly 100. He now has made the bold prediction that he will hit at least 50 home runs during his 2022 campaign. Looking at it seriously, it’s not out of the question. He hit 57 in 2017. The question will be if he can stay healthy to accomplish the lofty goal.

With Judge becoming a free agent for the first time at the end of the 2022 season, the other big question is if the Yankees will offer him a mega-contract keeping him as a lifelong Yankee. Unfortunately for the Yankees and Judge, will it get ugly when it comes time to do that? Most of it will depend on staying healthy two seasons in a row. If he can’t, the Yankees will be reluctant to extend him long-term.

Where will all the remaining big names end up?

If you want to believe Sports Illustrated, post-CBA doesn’t look good for the Yankees as it predicts where all the big remaining names will go, none of which go to the Yankees. The big bait out there, Carlos Correa, regardless of the news, will probably end up with his old manager A J Hinch, who is now managing the Detroit Tigers. Another big name favored by the Yankees, Freddie Freeman, will resign with the Atlanta Braves.

The Yankees have been targeting Trevor Story for a shortstop replacement. SI that previously had him going to the Rangers have switched gears and are now sending him to the Houston Astros to fill the Correa gap. There haven’t been many predictions that show a quality starting pitcher to the Yankees, but recently the name Carlos Rodon has come up as a possible fit for the Yankees; quell that, SI has him going to the rival Boston Red Sox.

You can also scratch outfielder and catcher Kyle Schwarber from playing in the Bronx; he will be going to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The only signing that seems safe is the first baseman Anthony Rizzo returning to the Yankees. In a bizarre suggestion, there are some rumors that nut-case Zack Grienke of the Astros could end up with the Yankees. Let’s hope not.

How are the Yankees doing in Winter Ball?

Several Yankees have played winter ball in the Dominican Republic; their results aren’t exactly promising. Aaron Hicks played in 12 games, not producing; the only thing he has shown the Yankees is that he can stay healthy for twelve games. Miguel Andujar has been nothing short of a disaster in winter ball, hitting .161 and no home runs in eight games. He has to be hoping he will be traded with no position to play with the Yankees and his below-average defense.

Estevan Florial wasn’t much better; he hit .167 in nine games. Once a top Yankee prospect, his halo is quickly dimming. Florial has power and speed as his main attributes, but to show those off, you have to hit the ball; he strikes out far too much to be of any value.

On the pitching side, Luis Media was 0-0, 4.92 ERA, two starts, 3 2/3 IP, 6 K, 4 BB. Baseball America ranks Medina as the team’s No. 9 prospect, primarily due to his high 90s’ fastball. Don’t look for Media to be a starter for the Yankees any time soon. His lack of control challenges his fastball. He will probably start the season with the AA Somersets. If he starts at Scranton, he could be a piece out of the bullpen for the Yankees.

Right-hand pitcher Albert Abreu went 3-3, 2.25 ERA, 6 starts, 24 IP, 11 K, 10 BB. Abreu’s ERA is impressive, but he walks too many hitters. He will likely be in the Yankees bullpen as a last resort piece with his history and numbers. Catcher Rob Brantly didn’t exactly ring any bells in winter ball. He hit .125 BA, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 3 K, 0 BB, 8 AB, 2 games. Nevertheless, he will end up as the number one catcher at Scranton and the backup for Kyle Higashioka in the Bronx.

Now on the bright side: Outfielder Michael Beltre hit .293 with five RBIs, nine strikeouts, and two walks. He will likely start the season with the Rail Riders with his outfield depth and excellent showing at double-A Somerset. Should we have trouble in center, you could see him with the big team sometime in the season.

The most encouraging sign for the Yankees is Wandy Peralta, the righty that made an impact last season. In winter ball, he went 3-0, 3.72 ERA, 11 appearances, 9 2/3 IP, 15 K, 3 BB. He looks to be a mid to late-inning reliever again this season in the Bronx.

Is Jonathan Villar a fit for the Yankees?

There has been recent talk that Jonathan Villar could be a stop-gap measure for the Yankees, not at short but at third base. That move would require the Yankees to move Gio Urshela to short, where he performed well last season when needed.

With Anthony Volpe and Osward Peraza in the wings and probably ready for the 2023 season, the Yankees don’t appear to be ready to hire a big name to fill the spot at short, long term. Villar hits better than most stop-gap shortstop options out there but is not much of an upgrade for Torres at short, thus the third base suggestion where his defense is better. Villar has speed but lacks the home run numbers the Yankees would like to see. He may be a fit, but it also piques the question: What will become of DJ LeMahieu if the Yankees sign Anthony Rizzo as their 2022 first baseman?

Yankees create a bright Christmas for Bronx youth

For the twelfth year in a row, the Yankees have held their Christmas toy even to benefit the underserved kids of the Bronx that surrounds Yankee Stadium. Their Winter Wonderland Event Friday has delivered thousands of toys to local school children.

“Everybody knows the Yankees for being a champion on the field, but that same drive and focus is part of our commitment to being a productive member of this community,” said Brian Smith, the Yankees’ senior vice president of corporate community relations. “We’re happy to put a smile on these young peoples’ faces during the holiday season.”

In years previous to 2020, the event was held in the big hall at Yankee Stadium, where a child could come in a pick a toy of their choice. Unfortunately, last year and this year, that could not happen due to Covid restrictions. This season the event was held outside Yankee Stadium, but most of the toys will be distributed by the New York Yankee Partners right up until Christmas day.

How do the Yankees save a dead off-season as lockout pushes on?

December 10, 2021 by William Parlee

For fans of the New York Yankees and the other 29 MLB teams, it was an exciting few weeks after the World Series was won by the Atlanta Braves, as teams prepared for the 2022 season. Most teams did everything they could to bolster their chances to make the postseason by adding key pieces to their teams. Then came the big funk; the owners and players couldn’t agree on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The result was Commissioner Rob Manfred locking out the players.

The old CBA expired on December 1, and the hot stove frenzy came to an immediate halt. Before the expiration, 25 of the top 50 free agents went to new teams, but now with the lockout, all of that has come to a halt. Owners and players can’t even talk to each other. No new contracts, no trades, no nothing until a new agreement can be reached. With the sides still far apart and not negotiation in good faith, it could spell for a long lockout and even a delay in spring training.

Much to the chagrin of Yankee fans, their team didn’t really take part in all the fun. Yankee GM Brian Cashman remained mostly inactive as other teams, some making major moves to improve their teams. The Yankees hired a few coaches and picked up a couple of pitchers in the Rule 5 draft, but that was just about it. Now the Yankees have to wait until there is a new CBA. Although many of the best free agents have already been signed, there still are options for the Yankees, but they will have to act quickly.

“As a team and as an organization, we must grow, evolve and improve. We need to get better. Period,” chairman Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement after the Yankees re-signed manager Aaron Boone to a new three-year contract. But that has not happened; it’s just been talk and not much of it. Instead, the Yankees have taken a wait-and-see attitude, and some insanely huge contracts have been signed by some of the best free agents available.

The Yankees could still salvage the offseason if they are smart and act quickly. Even though they have not supplemented their need for a shortstop, number two starting pitcher, help at first base, and an upgrade in center field, there is still time to make those needs a reality.

Looking at the shortstop situation, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Javier Baez, three of the best shortstops in free agency, are already gone to new teams, some for some incredibly big contracts. That leaves Trevor Story and Carlos Correa, who likely will not go to the Yankees. The Yankees seem to be centered on Andrelton Simmons, who is pretty washed up, and the better choice of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who would be a definite upgrade to Gleyber Torres. The Yankee might be able to get him on a short contract while they await the development of Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza.
However, the Yankees could still surprise with a mega-contract for the services of Carlos Correa, much like they did with Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole.

One thing we have learned is never to try to outguess Brian Cashman. To make that happen, owner Hal Steinbrenner will have to open the purse, knowing that a hefty contract extension will soon have to be offered to superstar Aaron Judge.
On the pitching front, the Yankees let two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber go to the Tampa Bay Rays, leaving them without a one-two punch that will be needed going into the postseason. However, the Yankees did make a play for the Astros Justin Verlander, who was coming off Tommy John surgery. The Yankees offered a one-year deal, but he apparently has accepted an offer for the same money ($25 million) from the Astros for two years and a third-year option.

Just like shortstop, some of the best starting pitchers are already gone. Noah Syndergaard has gone to the Angels, Robbie Ray has gone to the Mariners, and Kevin Gausman has signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Max Scherzer went to the cross-town Mets. Eduardo Rodriguez went to the Tigers. Cashman will have to work his magic with those big names off the market.

As far as center field is concerned, they already have an everyday center fielder in Aaron Hicks; the problem with Hicks is his injury history and ability to stay on the field. The Yankee front office has more than mentioned a backup if he can’t remain healthy. There are still several center fielders available that the Yankees should consider. Kevin Pillar, Brett Gardner, and Odubel Herrera are all available. The smart move would be to trade for Bryan Reynolds or Cedric Mullins; both would cost plenty. One free-agent target, the Yankees, were actively pursuing is Japanese star outfielder Seiyu Suzuki. However, he isn’t the perfect fit.

Likewise, at first base, the Yankees have holdover Luke Voit who is at best adequate, but he too has health problems. So the Yankee should upgrade that position by re-signing Anthony Rizzo. If they want to go big, Freddie Freeman is the best first baseman out there, but it will cost big bucks.

The big question for the Yankees and its fans, is once a new CBA is agreed upon, will owner Hal Steinbrenner open the purse to allow the rebuilding of a championship team? They have the money if they want to spend it. The other is, will Brian Cashman pounce early enough before his options are gone?

Yankees News 12/7: Everything you need to know today

December 7, 2021December 7, 2021 by William Parlee

Cashman’s delays may pay off

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman may have been procrastinating all along as part of the plan, and it just might pay off. Cashman completely sat out the first round of free agency, shunning Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and even Javier Baez, all signed mega contracts over $140 million. Seager got the prized ten-year $325 million mega-deal. But then came the lockout, leaving Cashman empty-handed.

Now with the lockout in place, Cashman has only a couple of options. He can go after the Houston Astros’ Carlos Correa, who will demand a mega-contract of his own, which is not likely, as the Yankees have other fish to fry. They also could go after the more likely Trevor Story of the Colorado team. The other option remaining for the Yankee is to go the stop-gap avenue and sign Andrelton Simmons or Rangers’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa. At the same time, the team waits for developing prospects, Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza. One thing is for sure, Cashman will have to act quickly once the lockout is over.

Seiya Suzuki may be in the Yankees headlights

In the last week or so, the rumor has been heating up that the Yankees may make a move and go after Japanese star Seiya Suzuki. The Yankees already have the apparently healthy Aaron Hicks to man center field. Still, with his questionable health history, he may be too risky to assume he will play the season for the Yankees. Going after Suzuki is also doubtful as he is not a natural center fielder.

Nevertheless, the Yankees appear to be one of the main competitors for his services. But in that quest, the Yankees are not alone. The rival Boston Red Sox and the up-and-coming Toronto Blue Jays are also in the mix for acquiring him. But with the lockout in place, Cashman won’t have much time to move on Suzuki if he chooses to. Suzuki, in 9 seasons in Japan, has played in nearly 1,100 games with a .309 batting average and 189 home runs. The 27-year-old is a natural right fielder, 3rd baseman, and shortstop has proven his versatility; the Yankees believe he could adequately transition to center field.

Lucas Luetge finally makes it

The Yankee reliever Lucas Luetage has an interesting story on his way to being manager Aaron Boone’s go-to man in the bullpen. It was July 9th, and Lucas Luetge got the win in a shut-out win over the Houston Astros. This was the type of pitcher Luetge was for the Yankees in 2021, but how he got there was unique.

Luetge was selected 21st in the 2008 draft by Milwaukee Brewers, where he played in the minors for almost four years. He split that third season with the Mariners when he was scooped up in the Rule 5 draft. In 2012 he made his major league debut being one of six pitchers to take part in a no-hitter against the Dodgers, but soon afterward, he would find himself back in the minors.

In the minors, he pitched for the Reds, Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Athletics. After almost nine years in the minors, the then 33-year-old was signed to a minor league contract with the Yankees. He got a non-roster invitation to spring training, and the rest is history as he made the opening day roster. He pitched in a career-high 57 games with a 4-2 record and an ERA of 2.74. After an arduous 14 years, Luetge finally reached arbitration and signed a one-year $905k contract with the Yankees for the 2022 season. He couldn’t be more happy and grateful.

The Yankee first base predicament

The is no question that the Yankees have several problems to solve before the start of the 2022 season, as general manager Cashman had done little before the lockout was instituted. His priority is getting a shortstop and a number two type pitcher for the starting rotation. But other problems loom, help in center field and what to do to get production out of first base. Last season they brought in Anthony Rizzo from the Rangers to play down the stretch, but now he is a free agent.

Before the lockout, the Yankees tendered first baseman Luke Voit, but Voit has had mega-trouble staying healthy. This past season he played on only 68 games with a .239 average and 11 home runs—That’s half as many long balls as in the 60-game 2020 season. Voit’s problem is his lower extremities, his feet, and knees that have had recurring problems. Few believe that even though tendered, Voit will not be the 2022 first baseman. The Yankees could re-sign Rizzo or go after the big boy, Freddie Freeman of the World Series-winning Atlanta Braves. As of today, there is no indication of which way the Yankees will go.

Yankees News: Is Cashman being cheap? Tanaka’s future plans, Freddie Freeman on the horizon

December 4, 2021 by William Parlee

Yankees hire coaches on the cheap

The New York Yankees already being accused of being cheap, not scooping up any of the star free agents available to fill needed pieces, are again being called cheap. This week although in a lockout, the Yankees hired two new coaches.

At the end of the season they parted ways with hitting coach Marcus Thames and his assistant. They also got rid of third base coach Phil Nevin. Nevin has since been replaced by ex-manager Luis Rojas. Now the Yankees have replaced Thames, by promoting Dillon Lawson to the post. Social media is all over this move, citing that the former University of Missouri and Houston Astros farm coach never hit a ball in the major leagues. After the Yankees lack of hitting in 2021, fans were hoping for a big name like, Paul O’Neill the “warrior” or other star hitter.

In another criticized move, the Yankees promoted Desi Druschel, a minor-league manager of pitch development to an assistant pitching coach to assist Matt Blake. Both of these moves are seen as cheap moves by the Yankee, and itt does signal that manager Aaron Boone will have a bunch of new coaches to work with.

Masahiro Tanaka; his future plans

Masahiro Tanaka was awarded a $155 million contract in 2014, to remain with the Yankees for seven years. Tanaka won 78 games with the Yankees, earning a 3.74 ERA. At the end of the 2020 season after winning only three games, he wasn’t offered a new contract and moved his pitching skills back to Japan. As it appears the Yankees made the correct decision as he went 4-9. There was some talk of Tanaka returning to the Yankees, but that will not be the case, as he is returning to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles for the 2022 season.

Manfred institutes lockout, when will the season start?

The New York Yankees and all of major league baseball went into lockout when the owners and the players couldn’t come to an agreement on a new CBA (collective bargaining agreement). This is the first work stoppage in baseball in 27 years. Although there are some differences, it is like 1994 all over again. This is a lockout by the owners; in 1994, it was a walkout by the players; nevertheless, the result is the same, no baseball interactions by any of the parties involved until a new agreement can be reached.

With the sides still very far apart, and neither side willing to work in good faith, it spells for a very long work stoppage, as seen by most industry insiders. Most baseball writers from The Athletic think the work stoppage will last until the start of spring training.

Freddie Freeman and others still tangling out there for the Yankees

MLB players may be on lockout, but for the Yankees, they find themselves with as many holes to fill as the beginning of the postseason. Now, not being able to even talk to players or their agents until a new CBA can be signed. Once it is, Yankee manager Brian Cashman will have to pounce if he hopes to upgrade the team.

As it stands right now, the Yankees have no solid first baseman, no shortstop, no true number two pitcher, and needing help in centefield. In short, Marcus Semien and Corey Seager are already off the market, leaving Carlos Correa and Trevor Story as the only two big names left. After apparently failing to get Justin Verlander to the Yankees, they still need that one two punch. As of this moment the only first baseman available to the Yankees is Luke Voit, who is not the best choice. They could resign Anthony Rizzo, but the big name out there is Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman, who would be the best first baseman for the Yankees since Mark Tiexiera.

LeMarr Hoyt and his connection to the Yankees, that led to the Yankees first Championship in 15 years

LeMarr Hoyt, that was once a Yankee passed away this week at 66, after a long battle with cancer. He never pitched in the majors for the Yankees, but may be responsible for the end of a 15 year drought in winning a World Series. The Yankees traded Hoyts to get Bucky Dent, who then GM Gabe Paul really wanted, the Yankees also picked up Reggie Jackson, and the Yankees won the 1977 and 1978 World Series.

It was a good move for Hoyt too. He would go on to win the 1982 Cy Young Award with the Chicago White Sox. He also lead the AL in 1983, but his pitching soon regressed, and his career was over after the 1986 season. He was plagued by a shoulder injury and began abusing drugs and painkillers, leading to his exit from baseball.

Yankees: Free agency heating up as stud first baseman linked to Bombers

December 1, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

With the December 1 lockout preparing to commence, the New York Yankees are heating up with free agency talks at the final moment. While shortstop remains a major concern and need, it is likely that both Carlos Correa and Trevor Story will be available when teams are able to negotiate once again.

However, it depends on the MLB and Players Union to come to an agreement on several pressing issues, most of which deal with the financial security of the players and retention for owners.

However, general manager Brian Cashman indicated he had a bit of flexibility this off-season monetarily, and it seems as if the Yankees have been contacting the representatives of star first baseman Freddie Freeman.

Freddie Freeman is the superstar free agent to watch today. While many have expected him to return to Atlanta, the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams with interest, as @JonHeyman has noted. Freeman also could fit the Red Sox. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) December 1, 2021

The Yankees would be gaining a bonafide star, but at what cost?

Adding a player like Freeman would be an exponential upgrade, despite Anthony Rizzo performing well after the trade deadline this past year. Freeman is coming off a World Series victory, posting a .300 average with 31 homers and 83 RBIs during the regular season. His 15.4% strikeout rate would be a welcomed statistic within a Yankees batting order that strikes out far too often.

While it is believed that Freeman statistically ends up signing a new deal with the Atlanta Braves, it is possible the Yankees offer him a long-term contract that allows him to settle. As a lefty hitter, he would add much-needed diversity to the batting order, and at 6’5″ and 220 pounds, he contains incredible power.

Nonetheless, Freeman is 32-years-old, and if the Yankees offered him a deal that stretches beyond five years, he would be approaching 40 by the time it concludes. However, you can’t put a price on elite-level talent, and Freeman represents that at first base. Ultimately, it boils down to how much Cashman is willing to spend and if Freddie is willing to leave Atlanta in the first place.

The Yanks may have to offer Freeman a 6-year deal worth $30M per season.

Yankees News: Cashman eyes monster first baseman, Sanchez’s return is troubling

December 1, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

Yankees interested in former MVP and World Series winner

December 1, 2021 by Andres Chavez

It’s not a secret that the New York Yankees haven’t had the offseason many fans hoped for. While many clubs in the American League make win-now moves, the Bombers are showing a baffling inactivity that could be detrimental.

With so many moves and signings in the past few days, the player pool available for the Yankees is now significantly diminished. Players such as Kevin Gausman, Robbie Ray, Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Jon Gray, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Starling Marte are no off-limits.

However, there are still some stars that could improve the Yankees roster if they choose to pursue them. Shortstops Carlos Correa and Trevor Story are a couple of prime examples, with super-utility Chris Taylor and third baseman Kris Bryant also available.

Freddie Freeman, perhaps the best hitter in the market, is generating interest in the Yankees’ front office. Naturally, he is a former MVP winner (in 2020) who lifted his first World Series trophy this year with the Atlanta Braves.

Could the Yankees steal him from the Braves?

MLB Network’s Jon Heyman wrote in the past few hours that Freeman is looking for a contract in the neighborhood of $180 million across six years, for an average annual value of $30 million per season.

That’s the exact amount MLB Trade Rumors had forecasted for Freeman, so it’s not an outrageous request by such a talented hitter and a clubhouse favorite in Atlanta.

Yes, Freeman is currently 32, which would be risky for the Yankees, but he remains a top hitter, slashing .300/.393/.503 with 31 homers, 120 runs scored, 83 RBI, and a 135 wRC+ in the 2021 campaign. In the absence of injured star Ronald Acuna Jr., Freeman led the Braves to their first World Series title since 1995.

The expectation around the baseball universe is that Freeman eventually re-signs with Atlanta. However, if that’s not the case, the Yankees (and the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox) are ready to pounce.

The New York Yankees could have $58 million to spend, but when?

November 28, 2021November 27, 2021 by William Parlee

The New York Yankees, with their free agents, players dumped, and those that might be dumped could potentially present over $58 million to spend this offseason. So far, they have done little, so the question is, when will they start spending? And will there be any worthwhile options when they decide to make moves?

The simple answer is not until the Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled, which doesn’t look like it will be anytime soon even though the present CBA expires this coming Wednesday.

The Yankees have quite a bit of money to spend and still remain below the Luxury tax threshold. But that money will go quickly if they pursue some of the big names available. Even though some players will get long contracts, the trend this season is for shorter contracts that don’t bog down teams for years to comSuppose

Suppose the Yankees will shore up the team and build one that can compete for a World Champions. In that case, they are going to need pitching help, a new shortstop, a first baseman, backup in center field, and even a new utility player to replace Tyler Wade.

Starting pitching:

Jameson Taillon, and Jordan Montgomery. The Yankees have a pretty strong core in the starter pitching department, even with the loss of Corey Kluber to free agency. Of course Gerrit Cole will be the ace in the third year of his contract. Beyond that they have 2018 ace Luis Severino and Domingo German. It should be pointed out that the Yankees don’t really know what they will get from both of those pitchers that did not pitch a full season last year.

Therein lies the problem, they really don’t have a bonafide number two pitcher to start in the postseason. The bottom line is that the Yankees need to add that number two starter. With the loss of a couple of bullpen pieces they will also have to do some shoring up there as well.

Max Scherzer would be the perfect match for the Yankees, the biggest drawback is how much it will cost to sign him. He will be 37 years-old during 2022. It is doubtful that any team will give him a long term contract. If the Yankees could get him for 3 or 4 years for about $100 million over the turn they would be lucky. But that would use up almost half of their available funds.

Kevin Gausman of the San Francisco Giants would cost about a third less than Scherzer. He was 14-6 last season, was an All-Star and came in sixth in the Cy Young voting. Still costing less is the Jays’ Robbie Ray, who would likely need $10 million and a contract of three or four years. He would be a bargain for the Yankees if he could go 13-7 for the Yankees, as he did for the Jays last season. He would also leave quite a bit in the bank for the other Yankee needs.

Shortstop:

The Yankee plan for a new shortstop is a bit cloudy. At the beginning of the postseason general manager Brian Cashman made it clear he would go after a big name shortstop. But it seems he has wavered from that promise in favor of a stop gap measure to allow Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza to make their debut in 2023 or 2024.

The perfect guy for that job would be Carlos Correa, but he carries with him some Houston Astros baggage, and would be very costly. Marcus Semien would also be a good fit, but after his 45 home runs last year would also be quite costly. Corey Seager would be the least expensive of the three big shortstops on the market.

If the Yankees want to go cheap and put considerably more money into bullpen upgrades, they could look to Javier Baez.

Center field:

Center field should be taken care of with a healthy Aaron Hicks, but the big question is if he can stay healthy, something he has not proven in six years with the team.

The Yankees could have options with a returning Brett Gardner, but his offense fell off dramatically in 2021. There are some names available in free agency. According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees are one of several teams in pursuit of Baltimore Orioles star outfielder Cedric Mullins. Mullins for the O’s, hit 30 home runs and notched up a .291 batting average in 2021. Because he doesn’t strike out he would be an immediate fan favorite. Although he earned next to nothing last season, his 2021 performance will bump up his annual salary into the millions.

Some other considerations now that Starling Marte has signed with the Mets in center, would be Chris Taylor or Kevin Pillar, both upgrades to Hicks. However, it is doubtful with the other needs the Yankees won’t be looking to spend big at that position, with Hicks already in place.

First Base:

If the Yankees want to do nothing at first base, they will tender an offer to Luke Voit, save some money, and hope he can stay healthy. The only problem with that, is that Voit has had near-constant issues with his knees and feet, causing him to hobble around the bases when his gets a hit.

The Yankees could resign Anthony Rizzo who has make it clear that he would like to stay in New York. Rizzo would be expensive, but likely due to his age and diminished hitting; he might be open to accepting less to stay in the Bronx. If the Yankees want to spend some money, Freddie Freeman would be the perfect choice. With his .300 batting average and 31 home runs it would be exciting. but an expensive addition to the team.

Here are my choices: Pitcher Robbie Ray $12 million. At short Corey Seager $20 million. Bring back Gardner to back up Hicks $2 million. Freddie Freeman at first $22 million. Total cost $54 million. That would leave a few million to shore up the bullpen and obtain a bench utility player, and still stay below the luxury tax threshold. Obviously if these players wouldn’t accept these amounts my choices would have to be overhauled.

Pitching: Gerrit Cole, Robbie Ray, Luis Severino, Jameson Taillon, and Jordan Montgomery. Backups Domingo German, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Lineup: RH DJ LeMahieu, RH Aaron Judge, LF Freddie Freeman, RH Giancarlo Stanton, SH Aaron Hicks, LH Corey Seager, RH Gio Urshela, RH Gary Sanchez, and RH Gleyber Torres. Joey Gallo and Stanton alternating as DH.

Once, and if the CBA is agreed upon and there is no work stoppage the Yankees will have act at lightning speed. I’ll end the article saying, one can wish!

Yankees could solve hole at first base with monster free agent option

November 23, 2021 by Alexander Wilson

The New York Yankees need to find a solution at first base with Anthony Rizzo, currently a free agent. While the team has Luke Voit, management doesn’t see him as a long-term solution given his injury history and inconsistencies as a defender. There’s also the possibility they move DJ LeMahieu to first base full-time, but the likelihood is they will either retain Rizzo, trade for Oakland Athletics star Matt Olson, or sign the best option of them all Freddie Freeman.

Freeman would be a splashy acquisition, but the Atlanta Braves are desperately trying to retain him. The star infielder is coming off an incredible season, hitting .300 with 31 homers and 83 RBIs. He’s one of the best hitters in baseball with his unbelievable power, and with a short right porch in Yankee Stadium, he could increase those numbers even further.

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal stated that the Yankees have an opening at first base and Freeman could fit the bill, but that other needs could be prioritized this off-season, notably at shortstop.

Three big-market clubs – the Dodgers, Yankees and Red Sox – have at least a theoretical opening at first base. Whether those teams would prioritize Freeman over more pressing needs is an open question. But any club with a possible fit would be negligent if it simply dismissed the idea.

The Yankees need to find at least a stopgap at short and address their pitching. The Dodgers are probably the favorites to sign (Corey) Seager. … And as much as Red Sox president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom talks about building a sustainable contender, it’s difficult to imagine pivoting away from his two youngsters at first.

The Bombers could solve their shortstop issue with a stopgap, especially if the Dodgers retain Corey Seager. They could look to an option like Andrelton Simmons, who hit .223 this past season with the Minnesota Twins. He is a solid defensive player but had a down season at the plate. He is a fantastic contact option though but lacks the slugging power the Yankees desire in their hitters.

If they want to go a bit cheaper at shortstop, they can elevate their spending on a first baseman and starting pitcher. However, with such a strong SS class, passing on the opportunity to get an elite player might be foolish.

Freeman represents an awesome acquisition, but the Yankees can retain Rizzo for much cheaper and grab one of the best shortstops on the market alternatively.

The latest on the New York Yankees first base situation

November 23, 2021 by Daniel Cunningham

The New York Yankees have had a very slow start to the offseason, much slower than many would’ve expected. Sure, they’ve made a few roster moves, but there have been no free agent signings or big trades thus far.

One major area of need is the shortstop position and that appears to be Brian Cashman’s top priority at the moment. However, there’s another very important infield position that Cashman will also be looking at and that’s first base.

The Yankees currently have Luke Voit, but all expectations are that the bombers are looking to move on from Voit. They tried hard to move him at the trade deadline this year and they have already put him on the block this offseason.

You’ll notice that when scenarios are thrown out about first base with the Yankees, Voit’s name is rarely discussed. So, what is the latest with the Yanks and first base? Well, there are a few options out there at the moment and Cashman is in on all of them.

Yankees First Base Options for 2022

The hottest offseason rumor for the Yankees is the proposed trade with the Oakland Athletics that would net the Yanks All Star Matt Olson. Oakland is looking to shed some salary and with Olson expected to make $12 million next year, they’ve made him available.

The Yankees and A’s have already had dialogue on the potential deal. However, they remain far apart and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman said that the A’s are ‘shooting for the moon’. They should given Olson’s production and the fact that he comes with two years of control.

The Yankees have also met with the representatives of Freddie Freeman. However, this is being looked at as more of a check the box type of meeting than a serious discussion. Nobody in the industry is expecting Freddie Freeman to leave Atlanta.

Then you have Anthony Rizzo. Cashman has already talked about a potential reunion with Rizzo with Rizzo’s agent early in the offseason. Rizzo is said to have really enjoyed his time with the Yankees and he checks a ton of boxes for New York.

Lockout Looming

However, the latest word is that New York and Rizzo are far apart in a potential deal. With the looming CBA lockout, it’s starting to look more and more like the Yanks aren’t going to do anything major before the lockout which is going to really put them in a time crunch. If a lockout occurs, most expect it to last until February.

The post-lockout timing could create havoc on the market. For free agency and for trades, teams are going to have a very short window to fill a ton of needs. This will drive prices even higher. In my opinion, it would have been much better for the Yankees to take care of some needs before the mad scramble in February.

The idea has been floated that DJ LeMahieu plays first next year, but I just can’t see that happening. I think the Yankees want a left-handed first baseman and I’m convinced that either Matt Olson or Anthony Rizzo will be at first next year. Currently, I’m leaning towards a Rizzo reunion being the most likely outcome.

Sound Off: Who do you want to see at first next year? Let us know in the comments!