Yankees: 3 player options that could change free agency

2. Nick Castellanos

Nick Castellanos, known mostly for hitting deep drives to left that preempt (or cause) national tragedies, has a decision to make this offseason.

Coming off his best offensive campaign in the bigs and first All-Star appearance, Castellanos has opted out of the remaining two years and $34 million on his contract and will now be a free agent. Smart business decision.

So, who’ll pursue Castellanos? He would’ve been a defensive downgrade, but a smart offensive pickup, if the Yankees hadn’t pursued Joey Gallo at last year’s deadline. As it stands, the most relevant possible suitor to the Bombers would be the Los Angeles Dodgers if they decide to shake up their current roster.

Just six months ago, the future of the Dodgers looked like Corey Seager/Chris Taylor/Trevor Bauer. Now, is it possible that’s flipped entirely, and their money will be focused on Max Scherzer/Trea Turner/Castellanos in left? Certainly, LA has a decision to make regarding their devotion to Seager, but those first two names appear far more likely to get paid right now. Taylor undid most of the damage of his second-half slump with a red-hot October and can act as a Swiss Army knife in this Dodgers lineup that’s otherwise quite power reliant. But maybe, with a Cody Bellinger extension also no longer assured, LA could pivot to four years of Castellanos’ higher offensive upside to fill out their lineup instead of Taylor, also giving Gavin Lux a new opportunity? Maybe that eliminates a Seager extension, and pushes him more cleanly to the Yankees’ corner? Certainly worth considering.