An update on the Yankees’ left field plan

The Yankees’ left field problem is an ongoing topic in the offseason as the team ponders whether to bring someone in through the trade market and free agency, or stick with internal options.

The team’s desired outcome, as reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, was to keep. Andrew Benintendibut he ended up signing a five-year, $75MM contract with the White Sox. I am reporting deaf. Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million deal. Sherman also reports that the team was “very involved” in trade talks with the Diamondbacks. Dalton Bajo before they finally moved him to Toronto Lourdes Gurriel Jr. When Gabriel Moreno.

The largest available name that the team is connected to is Brian ReynoldsHe asked for a Pittsburgh tradeout, but the Bucks seem unfazed on that front, seemingly setting a high asking price for their star outfielder. recently reported that the Yankees have been one of the teams “consistently” interested in acquiring Reynolds. would fit in, but the Yankees Oswald Peraza When Anthony Volpe to complete a transaction.

Picks in the free-agent market are slim at the moment, but Sherman points to some interest from the team. Jurickson ProferWorth 2.5 fWAR for the 2022 Padres, this switch hitter will be a solid choice to upgrade your outfield stock.yet Oswald Cabrera 44 games worth 1.5 fWAR, Aaron Hicks It’s the same for 130 games, so the team may not see Profar as a good enough needle mover to commit to the multi-year contract he might seek. I can say David Peraltathere doesn’t seem to be much interest from the Yankees anyway.

Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported in a recent mailbag that the team could forgo the outside option and let Hicks and Cabrera battle it out in first-job spring training. It’s not a great option, but it makes some sense. The Yankees roster is strong enough to keep him in a good place for his first three months of the season without upgrading the left wing. Determines whether to require an external upgrade at the trading deadline.

Hicks had a lot of shortcomings in 2022, but still walked with a strong clip of 13.7%. He could still be a pretty productive player if he can regain some of the power he has shown in the past. Cabrera performed exceptionally well on the field last year, in 278 2/3 outfield innings he scored 9 defensive runs and at bats he had 111 wRC+. He also struggled hard in the playoffs, striking out 12 times 2-of-28. Either way, he’s more valuable to the Yankees as someone who can play across the field rather than in a fixed position, allowing the Yankees to spell out some of the veterans more regularly.

Esteban floral Another internal option the Yankees need to make a decision. Floreal, once a likely top 100 finisher, has found few chances in the last three seasons (only 63 at-bats), but with no option to waive and send to the minors. You can not. He’s done well in Triple-A and the Yankees could give him overtime in the majors, but Sherman thinks the Yankees could trade him before the season starts. His trade value isn’t particularly high anymore, but many teams, especially those in rebuilding, are definitely looking to give him extended opportunities in the big leagues to see if he can capitalize on his potential. I want to give

The Yankees have also been aggressive in recent weeks in increasing the number of minor outfielders.they signed Willie Calhoun, billy mckinney When Rafael Ortega to minor league deals, and Sherman points out they checked in Cole Calhoun likewise. Calhoun and McKinney seem like pieces with depth, but Ortega is an interesting addition. He hit 122 wRC+ with his 330 at-bats in his 2021 with the Cubs, and in 2022 he dipped to 96 at-bats, but looks like a strong pick for the Yankees. As a left-handed pull hitter, he could also benefit from playing regularly at Yankee Stadium.