Yankees Trade Rumors: Nick Swisher Back In The Bronx?

The Cleveland Indians are currently looking at trade options for first baseman/outfielder Nick Swisher following his worst season as a big leaguer. Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish is reporting that the Yankees could be a fit for a reunion.

He is set to turn 34 next week and has two years and $30 million left on his deal. This likely means that the Indians would have to take on another inflated contract in return, according to Cotillo.

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During his previous four year tenure in the Bronx, Swisher hit .268/.367/.483 with 105 home runs (an average of 26 per year) and 349 RBI (just over 87 per year) and helped the Yankees win the 2009 World Series. Though his numbers were solid, his postseason performance was subpar at best (collected no more than 4 hits in any Yankees playoff series). Many believe that it’s the reason why the team didn’t renew his contract following the 2012 season.

Since joining the Cleveland Indians, Swisher hasn’t been the same player.

In 2013, he hit only .246/.341/.423 (all below his career averages), but he still managed to swat 22 home runs and drive in 63. He also underwent a change of position.

While with the Yankees, he spent the majority of his time in right field, but since going to Cleveland he is mostly served as a first baseman.

2014 was not kind to Swisher, as injuries only allowed him to play in only 97 games. He hit a mere .208/.278/.331 with 8 home runs and 42 RBI.

Though he could be declining, it might have just been a bad year, which could entice a team to make a deal for him, especially if it means cutting ties with another player who isn’t living up to a large contract.

The Yankees are a potential fit for a number of reasons.

Carlos Beltran is in no way a lock for a healthy season as he’s coming off of elbow surgery and will be turning 38 in April. Having Swisher as a backup could help relieve some of Beltran’s workload and allow him to take days off.

Mark Teixeira‘s health is also declining. Over the past few seasons, wrist injuries have limited his production at the plate and in the field, which may mean he could use some backup as well. Even though Alex Rodriguez will spend some time at first during Spring Training, he has never played the position before and might not be a suitable option.

Could a return to the Bronx revive Swisher’s career? Only time will tell.