Potential Bargains for the Yankees on the Upcoming Free Agent Market

While the New York Yankees are unlikely to spend big in free agency this winter, there are a few potential fixer-uppers available that could entice them.

Admittedly, this post may be a huge waste of time (even more so than normal). The New York Yankees completely abstained from signing free agents last winter, and there is no real reason to think they won’t do the same again. Principal owner Hal Steinbrenner has not been shy in discussing his plan to get the team under the luxury tax as soon as possible.

The team shed three big contracts at the trade deadline, and have been rumored to still be shopping Brett Gardner and Brian McCann as well. Mark Teixeira‘s huge deal is coming off the books after the season, but don’t expect that money to automatically get reinvested in the team.

Yes, the youth movement is about laying a long-term foundation for the team. However, make no mistake, it’s also about cutting costs for ownership.

So, in short, don’t expect the Yankees to be going after any of the big names on the market this winter (not that there are a ton). A big bat like Yoenis Cespedes, Edwin Encarnacion, or Jose Bautista to slot right into the middle of the 2017 lineup would go a long way towards making New York serious contenders, but there is a near-zero chance that any of those guys ends up in pinstripes barring a serious about-face from Steinbrenner.

That leaves general manager Brian Cashman once again sorting through the scrap heap. Guys who were injured or had disappointing seasons. Anyone who will take a one year contract, or, better yet, a minor league deal. Here’s a few players the Yankees might find appealing following the season despite their warts:

Next: Andrew Cashner