Yankees Rumors: Which free agents should be kept and who should be let go?

J.A. Happ: Happ was just what the Yankees were looking for after he was acquired prior to this year’s trade deadline, going 7-0 with a 2.69 ERA in 11 starts. He provided stability to the Yankees rotation when they needed it badly and proved he could also handle pitching in New York. The only blip from Happ’s time with the yanks this year was obviously Game 1 of the ALDS where he failed to make it through three innings.

It was a rare off night for Happ against Boston’s great offense but that shouldn’t stop the Yankees from pursuing him this winter. Happ was a first-time All-Star last season and had a career-high strikeout rate so he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down even at age 35.

That being said he will be 36 later this month so don’t expect him to get any offers this offseason for more than two or three years. If the Yankees can sign Happ to a two-year deal for around $25 million they should do it but if he wants more than that I think the Yanks would rather just commit big money to someone like Corbin and resign CC for one more season.

Verdict: Resign Happ if he’ll take a two-year deal

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Lance Lynn: Lynn was up and down as a starter for the Yanks after they acquired him before the July 31st trade deadline. In the playoffs, he worked out of the bullpen and really struggled in Game 3 of the ALDS against Boston. The Yankees need to upgrade their rotation but Lynn doesn’t do that so don’t expect him back in 2019.

Verdict: Lynn won’t be back

Andrew McCutchen: McCutchen was an on-base machine for the Yanks out of the leadoff spot after he was acquired right before the August 31st trade deadline. At the time he was a much-needed addition to fill in for an injured Aaron Judge and he eventually took over as the starting left-fielder for the slumping Brett Gardner.

However, as good as he was don’t expect him back with the Yanks in 2019. McCutchen is still a solid big league player but he’s an aging star who will likely be looking for a deal of at least three years. The Yankees projected outfield next year is already crowded enough, especially if Clint Frazier and Jacoby Ellsbury can stay healthy.

Verdict: McCutchen won’t be back