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

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 16: Didi Gregorius #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to Andrew McCutchen #22 against the Miami Marlins during Game Two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 7-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 16: Didi Gregorius #18 of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to Andrew McCutchen #22 against the Miami Marlins during Game Two of the doubleheader at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Marlins defeated the Phillies 7-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
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Brandon Drury #17 of the San Diego Padres (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Brandon Drury #17 of the San Diego Padres (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

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.

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