The 2023 free agency has attracted attention towards many aspects, and one of the most significant among them is who the New York Yankees will sign this season. The team’s performance was heartbreaking this year. Since 2016, this was the first time their journey ended even before the October campaign started. So, fans are curiously looking towards their team building this winter with so many star players available as free agents.
The GM Brian Cashman’s decisions went terribly wrong this season. The players he didn’t chase in the past have made substantial contributions to their teams this year. But this offseason has again brought a splendid chance for the team to sign players who can prove beneficial for the team. While there are renowned entities that the Yankees can sign, there are even some underrated free agents who may suit the team.
Who are the speculated targets of The Yankees this winter?
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The Bronx Bombers need a total renovation in their lineup, as their existing one doesn’t have enough capacity to support the team during crucial games. Besides Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, almost all the players failed in the latest season. So, speculation is circulating among fans that the team, known for spending big, could pursue free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Cody Bellinger. Also, another Japanese star, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, has been attached to the team since Cashman visited his no-hitter game. However, these are the top free agents that every renowned franchise will try to get.
The Yanks are supposedly interested in Juan Soto as well. However, he is not a free agent this season. But if the San Diego Padres really release him in the trade market, fans think Hal Steinbrenner and Cashman will probably go after him.
Even if these players are hard to get, there are some underrated free agents who are in no way less than these top players. Let’s first check the hitters they can add to their team this offseason.
Who are the most underrated sluggers and outfielders the Pinstripes can sign?
Among the most non-discussed hitters, first comes J.D. Martinez. After spending 5 years with the Boston Red Sox, Martinez became a free agent in 2022. He appeared with the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. However, his partnership with his current team also ended, and again, he became a free agent. The DH has ended this season with a .271 average, .893 OPS, 117 hits, and 33 home runs. So, he can be a great addition to the Yanks lineup to support their offense.
Next comes Mitch Garver, another underrated free agent who played a great season with the Texas Rangers. This 32-year-old catcher has impressive stats, having an average of .270, .870 OPS, 50 RBIs, 80 hits, and 19 home runs.
Tommy Pham can’t be ignored when talking about underrated agents either. He played his part well for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The slugger ended his season with a .256 average, .774 OPS, 68 RBIs, 109 hits, and 16 home runs. He can be a great addition if the Yankees want to boost their hitting section.
Miami Marlins’ star DH Jorge Soler is one of the most ignored free agents this season. Though his team couldn’t make it far this season, the DH had hit 36 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 126 runs with a .250 average. So, despite not being a discussed free agent, this player can make things better for the Yankees.
The 4x Gold Gloves winner Kevin Kiermaier can be another great inclusion in New York. Though Toronto Blue Jays performed average this season, the slugger has made his mark with 98 hits, 36 RBIs, and 8 home runs. Reportedly, Kiermaier is willing to join the Bronx Bombers. So, the Bombers can consider him to boost their hitting lineup.
Another potent Blue Jays player becomes a free agent this season. The 31-year-old Matt Chapman had a great season this year. In 2023, he slashed .240/.330/.424/755 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI while playing 140 games. If the Yankees are looking to strengthen the third base, Chapman can be the best choice.
However, the Pinstripes require a boost in their pitching as well. As Carlos Rodon failed pathetically, they needed someone to support Gerrit Cole.
Potential Underrated Pitchers The Yanks Can Sign
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While the hitter can boost the offense, that’s not the only thing a team can depend on. They need potential pitchers to stop the opponent. In this section, the Yankees can consider Aaron Nola and Michael Wacha. Amidst the renowned free agents, these pitchers are not getting attention, but they are an excellent choice to strengthen the lineup.
Nola started 32 games this season with a 4.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Also, the player had 202 strikeouts. Similarly, Wacha started 26 games this season with a 3.22 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 124 strikeouts. These are impressive stats that the Yankees’ management can consider for the 2024 season.
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The free agency is now live. As it further proceeds, fans will eventually know if the Yankees consider these players or if they chose some different players this season as well. Who are you batting for?
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