4 former Yankees fan favorites still without a job heading toward Spring Training

Mike Ford, 1B

Will the Yankees reunite with Mike Ford as a lefty-swingin' backup option for Anthony Rizzo this season? Not likely, unless they can -- again -- find a way to get LeMahieu out of town, as well as manufacture a desire to do so. The modern Yankees aren't exactly built on a distinct lack of versatility, and Ford would represent exactly that.

But he did post a 122 OPS+ with the Mariners last season and he did slug 16 homers in 219 at-bats and ascend fairly close to the folk hero status he had in the Bronx in 2019. It's at least worth noting that he could be valuable in the right circumstances, as well as point out that his trainer/hitting coach might've been onto something when he flamed New York on the way out. People just ... love to flame this regime. Probably their problem, not the Yankees' issue.

Still turning just 32 this summer, Ford could provide bench pop for a team that needs a backup. He could also provide shushing if the Yankees' bench gets too chirpy. Sounds like a Blue Jay -- first baseman or manager, take your pick.