Chicago Cubs: Possible Kyle Schwarber trade destinations
By Tim Boyle
New York Yankees
For a while, the New York Yankees looked like a definite favorite to add Schwarber. This was especially true last winter when Schwarber looked available. Perhaps it was because Schwarber missed nearly all of 2016 that kept the Yankees from pursuing further.
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Now that they know he is fully healthy, the chase can begin. The Yankees have plenty of DH options next year, but are they any better than Schwarber?
As we witnessed in the postseason, Chase Headley and Jacoby Ellsbury aren’t offensive forces. They are veterans the Yankees, unfortunately, couldn’t deal away earlier. Headley may have increased some value with a solid 2017 campaign. Ellsbury, meanwhile, will stay in New York if only because of his albatross of a contract.
This doesn’t mean the Yankees should settle for less. Schwarber can play some first base for them, too, if he does end up in the Bronx. No one should believe Greg Bird is an everyday MLB player yet so finding an alternative solution is beneficial.
Tales of lefties hammering baseballs at the short porch in right field in the Bronx could also play a factor in any potential deal. Rather than sign another Matt Holliday this offseason, the Baby Bombers would be smarter to at least ask what Schwarber will cost.