Yankees: 3 unexpected players NYY could nab after club option decisions

1. Ryan Braun

Adding Ryan Braun would be an extremely 2008 Yankees move. Well, how ’bout now?

Will Ryan Braun be a Brewer for life, or can a team like the Yankees pluck him away for depth during his twilight years?

Now, obviously, the fit is not ideal; Braun would probably enjoy some DH reps if he does decide to venture to the American League, and rumor has it he’s going to take all offseason to choose whether he even wants to return or not.

According to MLB.com’s Paul Casella:

"If he does decide to come back — a decision that might not come until close to Spring Training — the Brewers will likely try to find a deal that works for both sides, though other teams could certainly make a run at him. The soon-to-be 37-year-old outfielder hit .233/.281/.488 with eight homers in 39 games this season following a 22-homer, 11-steal campaign in 2019."

Yes, Braun was still pretty good in 2019, and this definitely feels like the type of “hat-on-a-hat” win now move the ’06-’09 Yankees would’ve made (like an improved Pudge Rodriguez or Eric Hinske).

Braun has always been a high-power, solid-AB guarantee who was on a Hall of Fame trajectory before his positive tests lowered his career’s ceiling a bit. The Yanks could use more experience in the outfield mix, and have often served as the last vestige of near-retirement veterans before.

We’re not saying it should happen, and the addition of Braun wouldn’t help the righty-lefty mix at all. But would you be absolutely stunned if it did, Tulowitzki-style?

Yankees: 3 moves that will make NYY a dynasty again

The Yankees still do not resemble their dynasty counterpart teams of the past. This situation can be rectified by making three savvy personnel moves.