4 former Yankees players New York can still reunite with in free agency

The New York Yankees’ heavy lifting is done for the offseason, but general manager Brian Cashman could stand to make a few more roster moves before the 2023 season begins — ones that allow the team to remain under the Steve Cohen Tax Threshold.

Options exist, too! Even more intriguing? Some former Yankees options exist! How about that? Bringing back some former guys who were either very comfortable in the Bronx or have emerged in bigger ways since their days in New York.

As it stands, the Yankees could use another reliever (or two), a backup infielder (first base, middle, or third base) and a left fielder. We can expect one of those needs to be fulfilled on the trade market, either before Opening Day or before the August deadline.

For now, though, the Yankees can address one or more of those areas with some cost-effective free agency signings of former players. Some are appealing. Some are … questionable. But nonetheless, they exist and they can help!

4 former Yankees players New York can reunite with in free agency

4. Didi Gregorius

What a world this would be. Didi Gregorius has fallen off a cliff ever since the Yankees let him walk in free agency to the Phillies after the 2019 season. Outside of a productive, shortened 2020 season, he’s logged a very, very below-average 166 games since the start of 2021, and now his contract with Philly is up.

Heading into his age-33 season, Gregorius may no longer be a starting option for a majority of teams out there. Would he take on a veteran backup role in the Bronx, as the Yankees usher in a new era with Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe? At this very moment, Oswaldo Cabrera is the backup shortstop, which is a good option, but if they don’t address left field, then he might be out there to start the year.

Plus, you’d always prefer a veteran glove, especially one with some lefty pop (no matter how much is left) as the backup option to impart wisdom and provide a jovial, knowledgable voice. Gregorius’ best days were in New York. Nobody’s expecting a rerun of that. But maybe a mini revival after being brought back to a familiar setting?

Unlikely but … not entirely out of the question.