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.

2. Brandon Drury

There were high hopes for Brandon Drury when he was acquired in a trade with the Diamondbacks prior to the 2018 season, but concussion issues plagued him and he never settled in with the Yankees.

After just 18 games, he was traded to the Blue Jays, and has been in Toronto (2018-2020), back in New York with the Mets (2021), and then Cincinnati and San Diego (2022). This past season was really when he burst onto the scene.

After an All-Star-caliber first half, he was a sought-after trade candidate, landing with the Padres in time for their second-half surge and NLCS run. Between the Reds and Pads, he logged reps at first, second, third, shortstop and right field. On the year, he hit .263 with an .813 OPS, 122 OPS+, 28 homers and 87 RBI.

Will that production be replicated, should he join the 2023 Yankees? We wouldn’t bank on it. But that defensive versatility, accompanied by his clutch bat, could give the Yankees a much-needed element in a lesser role. Or who knows … maybe he supplants Josh Donaldson at third base as the year goes by.

That’d be the dream scenario.

1. Andrew McCutchen

Folks … what’s the holdup?! Andrew McCutchen is available, the Yankees need a left fielder, and the man is coming off three rock solid campaigns since tearing his ACL.

Cutch left the Yankees after the 2018 season to sign with the Phillies, but missed out on their World Series run when he signed on for one year in Milwaukee for 2022. Remember 2018 Cutch!? He was a godsend in those 25 games. New Yorkers wanted more!

Anyway, Cutch’s defense is still fine (nothing special, though) and his power remains (49 doubles and 44 home runs over his last 278 games). Why not sign him as the starting left fielder, and relegate him to a bench role if things go south? At this very moment, he’s likely a fringe starter/fourth outfielder, and the Yankees can risk experimenting with him as their main guy in left.

What harm would another veteran voice do? McCutchen clearly wants to win, and has already drawn interest from the Dodgers and Rays. If they haven’t pounced yet, then the Yankees can offer him familiarity, as well as (arguably) a better winning environment, based on what little LA and Tampa have done this offseason.

McCutchen’s one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Brewers last year might not even be the price this time around. Perhaps $7 million? Or a team option with a buyout for 2024 so he can get his money, while the Yankees save against the luxury tax threshold?

Better than paying Andrew Benintendi $75 million over five years, isn’t it?

4 blockbuster trade targets that could be Yankees next ‘big’ move

Rumors have suggested the New York Yankees have multiple big moves up their sleeve. One figures to be Carlos Rodon. What's the other?