Possible Giancarlo Stanton replacement confirms Yankees' facial hair policy fears

Prior to the New York Yankees altering their 50-year-old facial hair policy to permit "well-groomed" beards, it was an open secret that specific players avoided the Bombers in free agency because of the inconvenience. And it was very much their right to, no matter how ridiculous you might think it is.

Who knows the exact amount, but there's no doubt the Yankees missed on various high-profile free agents who would have lifted their roster to new heights. We cant wait to read it in the 2045 book titled "The Downfall of the New York Yankees from 2010-2040".

As far as this offseason goes, the Yankees announced their policy change late and weren't able to capitalize on any beard-loving folk out there. And what bad timing it was, given they knew about Giancarlo Stanton's elbow issues and probably could have predicted what just happened to Gerrit Cole.

Brian Cashman addressed the pitching staff by signing Max Fried, which should at least keep a semblance of the status quo atop the rotation, but he did absolutely nothing to replace the lost Stanton at-bats. Many believed veteran slugger Justin Turner would've been a great fit for that, especially since he could log some third base reps with that position battle completely undecided.

Turns out, he was one of those players who wouldn't even sniff New York with the facial hair policy in place, as he told Jon Heyman of the New York Post (subscription required).

"No surprise, new Cub Justin Turner said he wouldn’t have gone to the Yankees with the no-beard rule," Heyman wrote. "He also said he’d still want to see what they mean by “well groomed” before considering ever signing up. Said Turner: 'I’d need a definition.'"

Justin Turner has no interest in Yankees and doesn't understand beard policy

And look at that ... he wouldn't even have been sold on the new policy! Because, again, well-groomed is totally subjective in so many ways. Whatever the case, it at least provides closure, because many fans were confused about where the Yankees were when Turner signed a team-friendly $6 million contract with Chicago. It felt like the perfect addition to alleviate multiple issues.

Turner isn't the first and definitely won't be the last to vocalize how the Yankees' outdated practices affected their ability to properly build a roster. But you already knew that, in addition to their other personnel shortcomings we've seen on full display since 2013.