3 veteran free agent fits that would greatly help Yankees clubhouse morale

The Yankees could target these veteran players, who would fill a need and improve clubhouse morale.

Just about every offseason move in the coming weeks and months will depend on dollar figures for the New York Yankees. Look no further than how long it’s taking for a DJ LeMahieu deal to get done.

Aside from one game-breaking starting pitcher (and LeMahieu), the Yankees really don’t have to make a whole lot of transactions, but everyone would agree a few veteran additions that address key needs would be ideal. If general manager Brian Cashman can find millions of dollars under Hal Steinbrenner’s luxury couch cushions, then we’re talkin’.

The Bombers still need some infield depth, starting pitching, and help behind the plate with the unresolved Gary Sanchez situation looming over the franchise. There are a number of guys out there who could help and more than likely wouldn’t break the bank, so how about these three vets? They’d fill a roster need AND help out tremendously in the clubhouse.

After all, that 2009 World Series team wasn’t lacking eccentric veteran voices.

3. Todd Frazier

Could a return of the ToddFather be in store for the Yankees?!

Assuming the Yankees keep Tyler Wade around for depth in the middle infield (though we can expect them to make another addition in free agency), they’re going to need some reinforcements at the hot corner because DJ LeMahieu probably isn’t going to want to keep switching positions frequently.

Enter Todd Frazier! He was a Yankee in 2017 for a short 66 games (and a playoff run to the ALCS) after coming over in a trade with the White Sox, and it’s clear his veteran presence played a role in helping this team beat the odds. His baserunning in Cleveland that helped lift the Yankees in Game 5 of the ALDS says it all.

Frazier has infectious positive energy, he’s one of the most supportive teammates we’ve seen over the last decade, and he’s your classic “Jersey guy.” The “cultural” fit in New York couldn’t be more perfect, and if he can still play a serviceable third base (we think we can), then this is a pairing that could work for a year.

The Yankees need a bigger voice given the army of reserved personalities on this roster. Let The ToddFather run his jovial mouth and the clubhouse/dugout will be much more relaxed.

2. Jon Lester

It depends how much he costs, but Jon Lester could be a great addition for the Yankees.

Nobody knows what’s next for Jon Lester. He had his player option declined by the Chicago Cubs and he’s a free agent again for the first time since 2014. His time with the Cubbies wasn’t overly impressive, but he helped deliver that elusive World Series, and that’s all that matters. The man has three rings and, while he’s fallen off the map pretty hard over the last two seasons, he could still be a valuable back-end rotation piece for the right price.

The Yankees need a left-hander, veteran, and insurance policy for their cast of starters, so could Lester be a fit on a cheap one-year deal? The Cubs tried to relieve him of pressure in trading for Jose Quintana and signing Yu Darvish, but Quintana never worked out and Darvish was a late-bloomer, not performing until this past season.

Cashman can clearly communicate to Lester that the Yankees want him as a mentor alongside Gerrit Cole for the young arms (Jordan Montgomery, Deivi Garcia, Clarke Schmidt) and will help him work to get back to his innings-eating self, which hasn’t been the case since 2016. Perhaps a bit of a rediscovery could see the 36-year-old regain some value since it’s now the lowest it’s even been … by far.

Lester could be intrigued to take on a different role while also playing for a bonafide World Series contender. And what better way to stick it to the Red Sox for trading him and lowballing him with contract offers? Sign us up for the southpaw getting ~25 starts in the back of the Yanks rotation, which could prove to be an invaluable addition come October…