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Evaluating the Yankees Options at DH If They Trade Brian McCann

By Evan Halpine-Berger

Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) bumps fists with first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) as they celebrate a 3-0 win over New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) bumps fists with first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) as they celebrate a 3-0 win over New York Yankees at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran drives in a run with a ground out in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers designated hitter Carlos Beltran drives in a run with a ground out in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Carlos Beltran

Bringing back Carlos Beltran to be the team’s primary designated hitter on a one year deal has been a popular idea among Yankees fans early in the offseason, but New York will face some stiff competition for his services. The Red Sox are expected to be an aggressive bidder, and a number of other American League clubs are expected to look for DH help this winter, including the Rangers, Royals, Blue Jays, Indians, and Orioles.

There seemed to be no bad blood about being traded at the deadline this year, and Beltran was always one of the most popular and respected members of the team’s clubhouse. The front office knows him well and has seen first hand what he can do.

Coming into his age 40 season, there is always the chance that Beltran falls off a cliff. Yes, Beltran is coming off a productive season where he hit .295/.337/.513 with 29 home runs and 93 RBI, but his bat cooled off considerably in the second half with Texas. Alex Rodriguez was coming off a very productive season in 2015 before his body fell apart this year. Getting old sucks.

Still, on a one year deal the Yankees should have no trouble cutting bait and absorbing the money if it doesn’t work out. MLBTR pegs him at one year $14 million, which is a reasonable gamble.

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