New York Yankees Reportedly Looking at Matt Holliday

Jun 11, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7) hits a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 11, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday (7) hits a three run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are believed to be considering offers to a number of free agent outfielders, with a former Cardinals all-star on their list.

The New York Yankees finished in fourth place in the AL East Division standings in 2016. The club missed the postseason for the third time in the last four seasons as well.

For an organization and fan base that is not used to being out of the championship picture, that type of consistent futility is simply unacceptable.

The Yanks really weren’t that far off this year. The club went 84-78, finishing just five games off the AL Wildcard pace.

With a team that may be close to contention, New York general manager Brian Cashman is looking to shore up a few positions in free agency.

One of the names linked to the Yankees is free agent Matt Holliday. He could provide a needed right-handed power bat to the lineup.

According to Jon Heyman at Fanrag Sports, Holliday is among a number of hitters on the Yankees Christmas shopping list.

“…the Yankees have called upon several more top free-agent hitters, including Dexter Fowler, Matt Holliday, Mike Napoli and Brandon Moss…”

Holliday will turn 37 years old in mid-January and has already made more than $145 million over his 13-year big league career. It is doubtful that he would be looking for more than a 1-2 year deal. Holliday could prove to be a fairly inexpensive short-term addition.

A 7x All-Star including as recently as the 2015 season, Holliday hit 20 homers and had 20 doubles with 62 RBI over 426 plate appearances in his final year with the Saint Louis Cardinals this past season.

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Holliday would spell Brett Gardner in left field on occasion against some tougher lefties, serve in a DH role, and as a pinch-hitter. He also played in 10 games at first base last season and could see spot action there.