The Yankees Should Bring Back Casey McGehee

Back in 2012, the Yankees traded a struggling Chad Qualls to the Pittsburgh Pirates for first baseman/third baseman Casey McGehee. McGehee was two years removed from hitting over 20 home runs with the Brewers. McGehee was struggling and couldn’t find his footing with the Pirates. The club was ready was to release him and the Yankees were ready to release Qualls.

The deal was natural and, although sensible, ineffective. McGehee played 22 games in pinstripes, batted just .151 with one home run and 6 RBI. He was at an all-time low and the following off season he failed to garner a Major League contract and instead signed with the Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. In 2013 in Japan he batted .292 with 28 home runs and 93 RBI while helping to lead Rakuten to their first Japan Series championship.

His performance earned him a contract with the Miami Marlins worth $1.1 million dollars. The 32-year old McGehee more than earned his keep as he batted .282 with 4 home runs and 76 RBI in 159 games. McGehee was one of the feel good stories of the season, endearing himself to the Marlins’ fans and gaining the now famous nickname “Hits McGehee” (If you know the great movie “Anchorman” you are laughing right now).

But there are uncertainties about his future in Miami as he’ll most definitely garner a bigger contract than he did a year ago and the Marlins may decide to go in a different direction. So what of Mighty Casey? Could a return to the Bronx be in his future.

If you ask me this is a move the Yankees should make. Mark Teixeira has had injury trouble and the club has had trouble finding a serviceable backup when he needs a rest. The organization has its doubt about Alex Rodriguez‘s ability to play third base going forward and they’ll likely need another option at that spot.

He’d be a far cheaper option than if the Yankees decide to bring back Chase Headley and the market for McGehee will be far less competitive. In comparison to Headley he’s also able to play first and third, which fits with the type of player the Yankees like (Meaning someone who plays multiple positions). Although his defense isn’t as good as Headley his big swing is built for Yankee Stadium.

Headley will have multiple suitors and is looking to go to a team where he can play everyday. He’ll definitely look for a contract of about four years which may not be ideal for the Yankees. McGehee is going to be more obtainable with a smaller market and lesser contract demands. He’ll be willing to accept any role he’s given and coupled with his proven durability he’d be a very nice weapon for Joe Girardi to utilize when needed. McGehee is a grinder, a team player and clutch performer, a very similar personality type to current Yankee Martin Prado.

Will McGehee continue to have success especially if he plays in the hitter friendly Yankee Stadium? That remains to be seen but it would and should end up being a low risk, high reward situation that the Yankees should not pass over.

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