Yankees Players To Consider Re-signing

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Dec 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman during a introductory press conference for new outfielder

Carlos Beltran

at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

After missing out on the postseason for the second straight season, (the first time that’s happened in over 20 years), Brian Cashman (depending on if he’s back), and the rest of the front office, will have some decisions to make this off-season, in deciding where exactly the Yankees go from here. Now, there’s no way the Yankees are just going to lay down and rebuild, because that’s not what the Yankees do.

The Yankees are going to scour the free agent market, until they find the pieces they deem necessary to try and win a World Series in 2015. But before they can do that, they’re going to have to take a good look at all their free agent players whose contracts are coming off the books this off-season, and decide which ones are worth keeping, and which ones aren’t. So without further adieu, I give you the five guys who I believe are worth the Yankees at least making an attempt to re-sign this off-season, and my predictions for what will ultimately happen.

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher

David Robertson

(30) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

DAVID ROBERTSON

This one is a no-brainer. After coming off his fourth consecutive season as an elite reliever for the Yankees, in my mind, there is no way they let him get away. Coming into this season, some had doubts about whether or not Robertson would be able to handle the role of the closer, that he was taking over from the newly-retired Mariano Rivera.

Robertson immediately put those doubts to rest, pitching with the same consistency day in, and day out that he did in the setup role for the Yankees. On the season to date, Robertson has converted 38/43 save opportunities, while pitching to a 3.13 ERA, and striking out a fantastic 94 hitters. The only realistic way Robertson doesn’t return, is if there is a contract dispute, in which the Yankees feel he is asking for too much money, or Robertson feels the Yankees aren’t offering enough.

Some see this as a situation that wouldn’t be too big of a problem for the Yankees, seeing as with the remarkable All-Star season he’s turned in this year, Dellin Betances could easily just slide into the closer’s spot should Robertson leave. While I agree that the closer’s spot would be in good hands with Betances, I also feel that you can never have too much pitching, and David Robertson makes any team that has him, better. So therefore, I cannot see the Yankees doing anything other than resigning him.

PREDICTION

Robertson and the Yankees agree to a two-year $15 million contract.

Sep 6, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher

Brandon McCarthy

(38) pitches during the second inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

BRANDON McCARTHY

When Brandon McCarthy was acquired by the Yankees right before the All-Star break, fans didn’t really know what to expect. There was no question that he couldn’t be any worse than Vidal Nuno, but with a record of 3-10, and an ERA of over 5 mid-way through the season, Yankees fans were curious as to what exactly the front office was thinking.

It turned out they were thinking very sanely indeed, as McCarthy has resurrected his career in New York. To date, he owns a 7-5 record, with an ERA of 2.89 in half a season with the Yankees. McCarthy has shown stuff his former team the Arizona Diamondbacks, probably didn’t even know he had, and has been a big reason as to how the Yankees’ starting rotation has been able to stay afloat, with all the injuries it has suffered throughout the year. McCarthy has already publicly declared his desire to remain in New York next season, and there’s little to no reason as to why the Yankees shouldn’t make the feeling mutual.

PREDICTION

McCarthy resigns with the Yankees on a one-year $6 million deal.

Aug 6, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees third baseman

Chase Headley

(12) hits a home run to tie the game in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Yankees Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

CHASE HEADLEY

When he was acquired by the Yankees from the San Diego Padres on July 22, GM Brian Cashman described Headley as an “average third baseman.” Well, Headley showed he was anything but, in his two months in pinstripes, flashing incredible leather at the hot corner, while managing to swing a decent bat, as well. However, with Alex Rodriguez expected to return next season, that makes things a little more complicated for Headley.

There’s no doubt he’s a superior third baseman than Rodriguez, and their bats seem to be about the same. A likely scenario if Headley is in fact resigned, would be for him to be the primary third baseman, while A-Rod is the DH. Or, Headley could simply back up Mark Teixeira at first base, while A-Rod plays third. In the end, this decision will require a lot of thinking from the Yankees, and we can only guess which way they’ll decide to lean.

PREDICTION

Headley returns on a one-year deal, worth $10 million.

Sep 19, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher

Hiroki Kuroda

(18) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

HIROKI KURODA

Hiroki Kuroda has spent the last three seasons in pinstripes, and each one he’s been the same: consistent. In three seasons with the Yankees, Kuroda has compiled a win-loss record of 38-33 (one that should have a lot more wins, and a lot less losses), with a 3.46 ERA. This season, Kuroda currently has an 11-9 record, with a 3.71 ERA. He’s been a quality starter year in, and year out for the Yankees, and he is someone who the Yankees should definitely look into resigning this winter.

The only problem is, at 39 years of age, the Yankees have no idea what Kuroda’s plans are for his future in Major League Baseball. Kuroda has always said that before he retires from professional baseball altogether, he would like to pitch one last year in Japan, his home country, and where he started his professional career. The Yankees were able to coax Kuroda into returning this season, but whether or not they can do it again, remains to be seen.

PREDICTION

Kuroda retires from MLB, to return to Japan.

Sep 2, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees right fielder

Ichiro Suzuki

(31) gets hit by ball as it bounces back during the eighth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Yankees won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

ICHIRO SUZUKI

Since being acquired by the Yankees in 2012, Ichiro Suzuki has never failed to live up to his reputation. Since 2012, he’s led the Yankees in games played (350), hits (301), and steals (46). While he may be slowing down at this point in his career, he always plays his hardest, and is never a guy opposing pitchers want to face with the game on the line.

5 Guys The Yankees Should Re-sign

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