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Yankees News: Three Free Agents That Fit The Yankees

By Antonio Mendes|

Last off-season, the New York Yankees splurged in free agency, and made signings most fans are unfortunately used to by now. However this off-season, Brian Cashman showed a desire for younger talent. There were multiple free agent scenarios, in which Yankees fans felt like a typical ‘past their prime’ signing would occur. We were all in for a surprise though, with a slight youth movement.

The team has very promising talent currently in the farm system, but until they are fully ready, the Yankees still need some more support in key positions. There are a couple choices in free agency this year that the Yankees could still invest in. For the younger players now commanding half of the infield, it wouldn’t hurt bringing in a veteran presence. If anyone knows an under the radar role player signing could play a big role in success, it is the Yankees.

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The main thing the Yankees should be looking for in free agents, are players who know their role. Every person on the team has one, especially for a team like the Yankees. More things can go wrong this season than we could imagine, but there’s also a tremendous upside that could take place as well. Though his tactics have baffled me in recent years, Brian Cashman knows times have changed. He’s made the Yankees bullpen one of, if not the best in the league, and he’s locked in key defensive players as well. This shows us, he is aware that the chances of the bats not showing up again have immense possibility.

So with not wanting to spend a vast amount on another big bat, why not upgrade the defense. Adding Didi Gregorious and keeping Chase Headley certainly took the team in a great direction infield wise, but there is still more to add in my opinion before spring training. The depth still isnt where we want it to be at some positions. Say the Yankees do make a couple more free agency signings before the season, here are a some free agents with potential who aren’t named Yoan Moncada.

Everth Cabrera

This is probably the most intriguing free agent on the list, but he also comes with baggage. Everth Cabrera was suspended in 2013 for involvement with the infamous Biogenesis clinic. Followed by getting charged for resisting arrest, while he was stopped for suspicion of DUI for marijuana. Well those are a lot of negatives, so how about the positives.

He is one of the best in stolen base percentage, and his speed makes for great defense, but that defense has suffered somewhat this last season. He shows upside for a player the Yankees can have in the minors just in case he is needed. Bringing him in on a shorter deal, with an opt-out if chosen wouldn’t hurt anyone. Work him at multiple infield positions, see what he has and if he’s willing to change. His potential to be a worthy back-up player shows much more than the likes of Brendan Ryan, whose numbers haven’t been astounding in any area. There’s a lot of scenarios every year like this, ones where you either take a chance or don’t. I say the Yankees take a chance here, and see if the pinstripes strike a change.

Rickie Weeks

Though he is getting older now, Rickie Weeks could still be a decent pick up to help out at 2nd base. Similar to Cabrera, a veteran player could be a useful addition to go along with a very young group of players at the second base position. The Yankees fan base it seems is ready to ride with Rob Refsnyder this year, the trust for Stephen Drew is next to none. I personally don’t think Stephen Drew is the answer, and Brendan Ryan isn’t even the ideal back up. Weeks could be a better option to share time with Refsnyder at second. For a 5’10”, 220 lb. infielder he shows power at times, and Yankee Stadium could fit him well.

Brandon Beachy

Now for some pitching. Brandon Beachy is one of the best free agent pitchers still available. Beachy isn’t a high heat pitcher, he is better known for his wide array of pitches. His pitch selection includes a four-seam fastball which he throws at a consistent rate at about 93-94 MPH. His other three pitches include a slider, changeup, and curveball. The reason however the Atlanta Braves have been cautious of him, is he now has two Tommy John surgeries under his belt. He did not pitch in the 2014, but the risk would be certainly low enough to take a chance on him. According to mlbtraderumors.com Beachy’s agent told Ken Rosenthal he didn’t want to sign (even though he’s received multiple offers) until teams got closer to spring training. I think the Yankees would be foolish to not at least contact Beachy if they haven’t already.

These three free agents are the top three to look into for the Yankees. I think they’re the most useful for what their price is, and what their roles would be. Does Brian Cashman want to add to a rotation that is in dire need of depth, or is he looking for more support in his infield?

Next: Yankees Among Top Suitors For Yoan Moncada

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