Yankees: 6 big whiffs from Brian Cashman before lockout

3. Chris Taylor

OK, so Chris Taylor reportedly wanted to return to Los Angeles and stay with the Dodgers. We’re not disputing that. But don’t you think the Yankees could’ve made things interesting if they offered more than the four-year, $60 million contract LA gave to their super utilityman?

How do we know the Yankees didn’t even try? Because they weren’t mentioned in any of the rumors/reports concerning Taylor! And we’d love to know why.

Taylor played above-average defense at all three outfield spots as well as second base, third base and shortstop in 2021. That kind of versatility, reliability and availability is exactly what the Yankees need. Remember how many players they put out of position last year? And by “out of position”, we truly mean that. Joey Gallo doesn’t play left field. Gio Urshela doesn’t play shortstop. DJ LeMahieu shouldn’t be a first or third baseman. Gleyber Torres clearly wasn’t a shortstop. Aaron Judge was playing center field! Tyler Wade played third base and the outfield, too.

It really would’ve been reassuring to have a clutch bat like Taylor hitting near the bottom of the Yankees’ lineup and filling in wherever needed when this team inevitably dealt with its annual flurry of injuries.

When that happens in 2022 and the Yankees have nobody to eat these important reps, you’re going to wish they at least attempted to sway Taylor.