3 intriguing non-tendered players Yankees should explore signing

1. Brian Anderson

While the versatile Joey Wendle remains the Marlin most often connected to the Yankees (well, outside of Pablo Lopez…), Anderson was a star for the 2020 Miami squad that made some playoff noise, and still makes some sense as a utility presence in New York.

As long as Isiah Kiner-Falefa gets traded off the roster, that is.

Anderson notched a fourth-place Rookie of the Year finish in 2018, then turned in basically the exact same season in 2019 and the shortened 2020 (OPS+ marks of 110, 112, and 116, with OPS of .811 and .810 in ’19 and ’20). In 2022, he split time in an injury-plagued year primarily between third base and right field, and when Anderson’s right, he typically mans both those positions, though he’s a primary third baseman.

On the oft chance Josh Donaldson’s contract can be shipped off to the most willing bidder, Anderson makes a lot of sense as a slightly-above-average hitter who can help spell DJ LeMahieu at third in case his foot doesn’t heal as well as the team is hoping. He also would bring a different dimension to a Yankees lineup that’s become known for selling out for power.

Then again, Anderson was sliced off the Marlins for a reason. As his arbitration costs have risen, his production has waned. Whichever team picks up Anderson will have him secured through 2023 only. This is as non-risky as a flyer’s ever going to get.