Yankees Inquire About Free Agent Slugger Matt Holliday

Though Matt Holliday has only played a total of 93 games in the AL during his uber-productive 13-year career, the Yankees feel his game would seamlessly fit into their plans for 2017.

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, Holliday intrigues Yankees GM Brian Cashman enough for him to be actively considering offering the 7-time All-Star a contract.

Though Holliday’s 2016 slash line of .246/.322/.461 isn’t anything to write home about, his power numbers of 20 home runs and 62 RBI in 110 games is a reason for optimism, should the 4-time Silver Slugger Award winner be used in a DH/part-time outfielder and first base role. After all, many in baseball circles all but ruled Holiday’s days as an impact bat kaput after only hitting four home runs and 35 RBI in a career-low 277 at-bats in 2015.

If the Yankees were to bring Holliday into the fold, his price tag would likely be no higher than $8-12M for one-year. More importantly, his presence would allow the club to deal Brett Gardner to free up enough money to pay (or overpay) for just about any reliever on the market and/or a middle tier free agent starter.

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Obviously, Holliday isn’t cut from the same cloth when it comes to Gardner’s defensive ability, but his versatility to spell Aaron Hicks or Aaron Judge in the corners of the outfield, Greg Bird at first base, or Tyler Austin at DH would provide immense coverage around the diamond that last season’s club was severely lacking.

Skeptics will point out that Holliday is fragile at this stage in his career, but the same could be said for another Yankees target in Carlos Beltran, who before last season spent multiple stints on the DL in both 2014 and 2015.

Basically, Holliday is a low risk-high reward type signing for one-year because he doesn’t stunt the growth of any of the exciting Baby Bombers. He also allows Cashman to focus on other problematic areas of the roster while he dutifully faces pitchers in the American League who aren’t familiar with his still impactful bat. It’s quite possible Holliday hits closer to his career .300 BA and 20 doubles per season, on top of being an impactful clubhouse leader and world-class ambassador for the Yankees.

Next: Dellin Betances Ties the Knot

If you’re unfamiliar with Holliday’s charitable works around the St. Louis area, do a quick Google search — you’ll be blown away.