Potential 2016 Free Agent Targets

A few days ago, I discussed who the New York Yankees should target in regards to the 2015 trade deadline.  Today, I will discuss who is a more realistic target for free agency, after the season concludes.

Once again, catcher Brian McCann, and the two corner infielders, Mark Teixeira and Chase Headley, all are signed to long term deals, so the Yankees will not be players in free agency at any of these positions.  The Yankees also have the players who, down the line, figure to start at catcher and first base, Gary Sanchez and Greg Bird, waiting in the minors.  Assuming Garrett Jones performs well, it would not be shocking if Brian Cashman brings him back on a one-year deal to serve as insurance for the injury-prone Teixeira.  If Alex Rodriguez is still on the club in 2016, he will be the back-up third baseman, and more likely than not, the primary designated hitter, unless they force him to share the role with Carlos Beltran.  (More on Beltran later)

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Second base and shortstop figure to be the two positions that the Yankees are most likely to upgrade, with shortstop currently having the slight edge (Something that could change by then, assuming the Yankees sign Yoan Moncada).  With Rob Refsnyder expected to debut this season, his performance will determine how active the Yankees will be in targeting free agent second basemen.  If Refsnyder struggles and needs more time for development, maybe Howie Kendrick, Ben Zobrist, or Chase Utley can be had on a short-term deal, although I would prefer to see the Yankees stick with Refsnyder.  If Didi Gregorius cannot get the job done, the Yankees sign Moncada, and he needs time to develop, then Jimmy Rollins, or Stephen Drew will be likely targets.  If Gregorius does not perform, and the Yankees whiff on Moncada, expect Ian Desmond to be targeted.  At 30, he will still be young enough to deserve a contract in the range of four years, which the Yankees should not do if Moncada is signed.

In the outfield, the Yankees once again have commitments past 2016 at all three spots with Brett Gardner, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Carlos Beltran.  Assuming Aaron Judge continues to tear up the minors, he should be ready to debut by 2016, which could push Beltran into more of a DH/fourth outfielder role.  If Judge’s development is, for some reason, stalled, then expect to see the Yankees bring in a fourth outfielder who can hit a little, run a little, and maybe serve as a late-defensive substitute for the aging Beltran.  Chris Young could be an option once again, since the Yankees should avoid any multi-year deals in the outfield.  Maybe Jones can even serve the role of fourth outfielder.  With so many elder, fragile, players, bringing in a full-time DH would not be wise.

With a bullpen stocked with talent, and youth, upgrades are unlikely.  Where the Yankees are most likely to look to upgrade is at starting pitching, as there is a very talented crop of starters that are set to become free agents.  Jordan Zimmermann and David Price figure to be the two most sought after pitchers, although I figure that after letting Scherzer walk and trading Rick Porcello, the Detroit Tigers are likely to give Price a massive deal.  After those two, the next tier of pitchers includes Johnny Cueto, Doug Fister, Yovani Gallardo, Wei-Yin Chen, Rick Porcello, Mat Latos, Scott Kazmir, Ian Kennedy, Alfredo Simon, Bud Norris, Jeff Samardzija and even Cliff Lee.  There is an outside chance Zack Greinke hits the open market, but don’t count on the Los Angeles Dodgers allowing that.  Some of these guys may sign extensions, but most will not, and I would not mind seeing the Yankees target one, maybe even two, of these names.

The upcoming free agent class is mostly dominated by starting pitching, something that is very important in today’s game, especially with all of the injuries.  If the Yankees can acquire one or two of these very talented starters, then Yankee fans everywhere should share a collective smile.

Next: Should The Yankees Sign James Shields?

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