Possibilities For A First Base Upgrade

Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

 Brian McCann

A possible internal upgrade at the position is Brian McCann. From 2005 to 2013, McCann was a good catcher for the Atlanta Braves. After 2013, the Yankees signed him to a five year deal be their catcher. 2014 saw McCann struggle offensively until late in the season, but among the bright spots were the 16 games he spent at first base. Offensively, there’s not much question that McCann is capable of the type of production that is expected of a first baseman, but how about defensively?

In 16 games at the position, McCann only made one error in 110 chances. Over a full season, his Range Factor per nine innings of 9.52 would have been in the top ten among major league first basemen, which isn’t bad for someone who hadn’t played the position at the big league level coming into this year.

Among the internal candidates to potentially upgrade the position, McCann is a possibility that shouldn’t be completely ignored. It would certainly save the team from having to trade prospects or sign a possibly expensive free agent.

Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports

Alex Rodriguez

Another internal candidate that is being mentioned as a possible upgrade at first base is Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod didn’t play at all in 2014 after being suspended by Major League Baseball in the Biogenesis scandal. Rodriguez started his career as a shortstop with the Mariners and Rangers before moving to third base after a trade to the Yankees in 2004. His offensive production during his career almost insures his entry into the Hall of Fame when his career is over.

Rodriguez is one of the most athletically gifted people ever to put on a major league uniform. He has been a solid defender at both shortstop and third base. If healthy, he is one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game. His career numbers are outstanding: .299 average, 654 home runs, 1939 RBI, a major league record 24 career grand slams, 2939 hits, three 50 home run seasons. He has shown that he is capable of adapting to position changes.

There are downsides to this as a solution, however. Rodriguez is going to turn 40 midseason. He hasn’t played since his suspension. He has been dealing with injuries regularly since 2008. There are questions about how much the organization really wants to even have him on the roster. There are also questions about how productive a 40 year old who has never played first base can be.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Victor Martinez

A possible free agent target that could be pursued as an upgrade is Tigers first baseman Victor Martinez. In addition to his years with Detroit, V-Mart has also been with Cleveland and Boston during his career. He is coming off perhaps his best season after hitting .335 with a career high 32 home runs and 103 RBI.

There are definitely advantages to pursuing Martinez this offseason. He is a very good hitter, having hit over .300 in eight of his 12 years in the big leagues. Martinez also has postseason experience, having appeared with Cleveland in 2007, Boston in 2009 and the Tigers in 2011, 2013 and 2014. He can also get a few games at catcher if absolutely necessary.

Now for some reasons why the Yankees might not pull the trigger on acquiring Martinez. As with the previous three candidates, V-Mart is into his decline phase. When 2015 starts, he’s going to be 36 years old. Martinez used to catch, so his knees are an issue, and he did miss all of 2012 after knee surgery. He is also reportedly looking for a four year contract, which might be longer than New York wants to give a 36 year old former catcher.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

 Adam Dunn

The Big Donkey is the last player on our list of first base upgrades. Dunn has been a major power hitter since coming up with Cincinnati in 2001. Dunn has also spent time with Washington, Arizona, the White Sox and Oakland. He has 462 career home runs and six seasons of 40+, including five straight from 2004 to 2008. Dunn also has superior plate discipline, with seven 100 walk seasons.

After being traded to Oakland late this past season, Dunn announced his retirement effective the end of the season. The Yankees could try to lure him out of retirement with the chance of seeing his first ever postseason action. Bringing Dunn out of retirement would give the Yankees something they don’t currently have much of, which is a legitimate power threat. He’s also someone that can usually be counted on to be in the lineup every day.

Dunn is retired, so the Yankees might have to be very persuasive to get him on their roster. The Big Donkey is also yet another baseball senior citizen, who will turn 35 at the end of November. Dunn is also not the best at making contact, having put up a career .237 batting average and a ton of strikeouts during his career.