Yankees: Predicting which free agents they’ll bring back for the 2020 season

This offseason the Yankees will have some interesting decisions to make because a handful of key players from their current roster can become free agents. Which of them will be back in the Bronx for the 2020 season?

The playoffs are just six days away and the Yankees are one of the favorites to win their 28th championship in franchise history this October. They’re also in a great position to contend for multiple championships in the coming years if they can keep the majority of their current roster intact.

However, that might be difficult to do because as many as eight Yankees can enter free agency after the season ends. The odds of all of them returning for the 2020 season are likely slim, but for the sake of this list, I’m going to try and predict who will be resigned.

RP Cory Gearrin

Gearrin has only been a Yankee for a month after he was claimed off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on August 23rd. Gearrin has pitched a decent amount since coming to New York, but he hasn’t been, posting a 5.25 ERA in 16 games. The Yankees took a flyer on the 33-year-old right-hander hoping he could bolster their bullpen, but he likely won’t even make the playoff roster so I don’t expect to see him back with the club next season.

Prediction: Gearrin will not be re-signed

OF Cameron Maybin

Maybin has been excellent with the Yankees ever since they acquired him from the Indians on April 25th for cash considerations. Along with Mike Tauchman, he’s been a savior in the outfield filling in for Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, and Giancarlo Stanton after injuries sidelined each of them for extended periods of time throughout the year.

Offensively, Maybin has been an impact player in 80 games hitting .289 with 12 HR, 17 2B, 32 RBI, and a .502 SLG%.  He’s also provided great defense at the corner outfield positions and has stolen nine bases. He’s been everything the Yankees could’ve hoped for and then some and he’ll continue to play a key role off the bench during the postseason. However, the Yankees are loaded with outfielders when everyone is healthy which is why I have a hard time seeing Maybin back in pinstripes next season.

Hicks, Stanton, Judge, and Tacuhman aren’t going anywhere and there’s a good chance Clint Frazier and Brett Gardner will be back in the fold as well. Maybin has been a joy to watch with the Yankees this year and his teammates are going to miss his hugs after they hit a home run, but he’s probably the odd man out given his contract status.

Prediction: Maybin signs elsewhere