5* More Free Agents The Yankees Should Avoid This Winter

Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

Since my original list of five free agents the Yankees should avoid signing this winter was published back in mid-September, some things have developed. First, James Shields proved to me at least, why he’s not an elite free agent talent, but more in-line with a high-quality number three starter, or a low-end number two at best. Pablo Sandoval also upped his dollars with another magnificent World Series performance, but the reality of the situation is this: he’s a mediocre 162-game performer at third base, whose weight will only increase, while his durability and numbers will only decrease. No thank you. And finally, Brian McCann isn’t the most overpaid catcher in the big leagues anymore, as former Yankees’ backstop Russell Martin went home to Canada as the newest addition to the Blue Jays.

Now that the winter is underway, and the annual GM Meetings have come and gone in Phoenix, next up are the Winter Meetings, this year in San Diego, California. Brian Cashman will head out west with one less item on his list than he had a few weeks ago: a fourth outfielder, as Chris Young was resigned to a one-year deal. Other holes remain at third base (yes, I’m aware Alex Rodriguez is back), shortstop, a backup corner infielder, some bullpen depth depending on how the David Robertson situation plays outs, and of course some starting pitching depth. 

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Today, we’re not going to look at who the Yankees should be pursuing, but rather, another short list of five players the Yankees can ill-afford to sign to even the shortest of free agent deals. With a ton of money already on the books, along with age and injury having kept the Bronx Bombers out of October baseball in each of the past two seasons, any mistakes in the free agent market could further hamper the franchise’s attempt to return to prominence.