The 5 Free Agents The Yankees Should Avoid This Winter

Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

#5. Nelson Cruz

There has been talk over the past few days in some of the New York newspapers, that the Yankees have an interest in possibly signing free agent-to-be right fielder Nelson Cruz, and bringing his powerful bat to the Bronx to help breath life back into a DOA lineup. Cruz is having his best offensive season at age 34. With 10 games to play for the AL East champion Orioles, Cruz has 39 bombs and over 100 driven in. So why shouldn’t the Yankees ink someone who is trending upward with their offensive production? Two words: Carlos. Beltran.

Even though Beltran’s best days were behind him, many believed he was the perfect fit for the Yankees because of his long record of postseason success. Problem is, you have to get there first. Beltran battled bone spurs in the elbow all season and recently left the team due to his wife miscarrying their unborn child. A horrible way to end a frustrating season for the first year Bomber.

Cruz isn’t much different than Beltran. He’s on the wrong side of 30. No matter how much you love his production, he’ll want a 3-4 year deal, for max dollars. Do the Yankees really need another geriatric outfielder who can’t field, and by the end of the contract, be another albatross the Yankees can’t unload?