Yankees: 3 free agent lefty bats NYY need to sign

2. Michael Brantley

We know, we know, but the Yankees really should target Michael Brantley.

Coming off a failed 2019 season (sorry, Aaron Boone, but when we flame out on a walk-off home run to our new-age rival, you can call that a failure), the Yankees addressed their rotation void by plundering a top free agent from the Houston Astros, weakening the team they continue to meet in the ALCS.

So after a bizarre 2020, why not do it again?

Michael Brantley would be entering a crowded outfield picture if the Yankees signed him for 2021, but consider him a far upgraded version of Tauchman and Brett Gardner. His role might not be entirely clear on Opening Day, but I can guarantee you he’d find his way into the lineup more often than not. After all, DJ LeMahieu sat on Opening Day 2019 in favor of Troy Tulowitzki, a sentence that feels straight out of decades-old history books.

All Brantley does is put bat on ball, work counts, and punish the short porch (if given the chance!). It’s hard to construct a more perfect veteran fit for this Yankees roster in a lab than Dr. Smooth — and that’s really what he is. A born-to-hit, ready-made player who’s available for money alone. As soon as the World Series ends, the Yankees should try to be the first in the room making their pitch.

Wherever he goes, he will prosper. So why not here?