Five Yankees who may have played their last game in New York

There is no clear indication when, or if, the 2020 regular season will begin but there are five New York Yankees players who may have played their final game in New York without even knowing it.

Major League Baseball has made it clear that they intend to make every effort to get players back on the field this year. Everyone is eager for that announcement — players, front office executives, stadium workers, and fans.

Everyone also is eager to get back to life as normal. The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented situation that has impacted people across the world. If MLB is unable to return this year — a very real possibility, no matter how much we don’t want to admit it — there could be huge ramifications.

Perhaps one of the biggest impacts will be on players who are in the final years of their contracts.

MLB and the MLBPA have already reached an agreement regarding service time should there not be a 2020 season that will allow players to receive the time they would have accrued. If that happens, there are five Yankees players who may have played their final games in New York.

Brett Gardner, outfielder

Brett Gardner has spent his entire career with the Yankees and despite having a career-best year in 2019 there was some belief that his tenure in New York was over following the season. The Yankees instead re-signed the veteran outfielder to a contract that will pay him $12.5 million this year with a team option for next year (valued at $10 million with a $2.5 million buyout).

Whether the 2020 season is played or not, the question remains whether Gardner will return for 2021. Much will depend on Gardner’s production, but the Yankees do have other options to consider. Gardner will turn 37 in August, so age will also be a factor.

Clint Frazier is a prime candidate to take some of Gardner’s at bats, for one. Mike Tauchman and Giancarlo Stanton could also see additional playing time in left field. Aaron Hicks will be back after recovering from Tommy John surgery, as well. If there are games this year, it’s not entirely out of the question that Estevan Florial could also be in the conversation as an option.

DJ LeMahieu, second base

DJ LeMahieu will be a free agent following the season, though there are some who feel the team should look to extend him before that. LeMahieu had an impressive first season with the Yankees in 2019 after signing a two-year contract with the team the prior winter. He is due $12 million this season.

LeMahieu will turn 32 in July. He’s a versatile defender that has shown he can handle multiple positions in the infield. He’s also shown that he can be a leader in the clubhouse. All are important factors to consider in addition to his offensive prowess.

The Yankees have fewer internal options to replace him if LeMahieu is not re-signed. Thairo Estrada and Tyler Wade could both be factors, but neither offers the potential that LeMahieu does in the field or at the plate. Kyle Holder is generally considered to be a standout defensive asset, but his bat still needs work.

J.A. Happ, starting pitcher

J.A. Happ will make $17 million this season. His contract contains a vesting option at the same cost which almost certainly will not be a factor. The option vests once Happ pitches 165 innings or makes 27 starts, numbers he’ll have no chance to reach the longer the season is delayed.

Happ is 37-years-old already. He’s been solid for the Yankees, but it’s hard to imagine the team will be eager to bring him back for another year barring something extreme happening.

The Yankees are always on the hunt for more starting pitching and Happ will be one of three hurlers that could potentially leave. He’s the least likely of the three to remain in New York.

James Paxton, starting pitcher

James Paxton came to the Yankees via trade before the 2019 season and made a quick impression in New York. The big left-hander won 15 games last season and was set to come into 2020 with high expectations. Surgery to remove a cyst on his back was going to delay the start of his season even before everything was shut down.

Paxton is due to make $12.5 million this season. He will turn 32 in November.

There are few left-handers in next winter’s free agent class that can compare to Paxton. He’s sure to draw some attention if he reaches the open market, which could make it difficult for the Yankees to retain him.

Masahiro Tanaka, starting pitcher

Masahiro Tanaka has been a key piece of the Yankees rotation ever since the team first signed him before the 2014 season. The original seven-year contract that he signed will expire following the 2020 season. He’s earning $23 million this year.

The right-hander has won double-digit games every year since coming to New York. He hasn’t been quite as dominant as he was in Japan, but he’s been abundantly effective for the Yankees (75 wins, a 3.75 ERA, and 1.128 WHIP).

Tanaka, like Paxton, will be 32 in November but he figures to be more likely to remain a Yankee.