Eduardo Nunez
Eduardo Nunez fared well for three separate teams after leaving the Bronx. But sources haven’t linked the two together this offseason.
In fact, the Mets are more likely to sign Nunez based on their current situation. Yet, he could become a last-minute addition to the club if he can be acquired at a bargain.
The multifaceted infielder can cover three of the four infield positions and also play in the outfield. While there aren’t many utility players left in the sport, Nunez is one that has gained recognition over the past two years.
And Nunez’s success in the AL East last year could garner a look from Cashman and his crew. He boasted a .321/.353/539 triple-slash line in 173 plate appearances for Boston. He sported a combined .801 OPS between the Sox and Giants overall in 2017.
The former Yankees infielder developed into an everyday starter since he left. He swiped 40 bags in 2016 and even notched double-digit homers in each of the previous two seasons.
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Though he may not be able to keep a .539 slugging percentage afloat throughout an entire season, Nunez was still impressive last year. His line-drive percentage gradually increased throughout the past three seasons, peaking at about 17.5 percent last season.
Another encouraging sign for him at the dish is that he rarely strikes out. While he only drew 18 walks in 491 plate appearances in 2017, he only whiffed 54 times. Therefore, he isn’t an easy out, but his on-base percentage will likely hover around his batting average.
Lastly, unlike most other infielders on the free agent market, Nunez can be a threat on the bases. He’s earned a respectable reputation by accumulating more than 20 steals in both 2016 and 2017. If he gets on base, pitchers have to check on him occasionally.
Next: New York still has a ton of decisions this offseason
He offers the Yankees’ stability in any position. But considering his recent success, he might require more money than he truly deserves.
Of the many options still on the market, he could provide the most value because of his versatility and his development at the plate. A reunion even seems unlikely unless Cashman can coax him into taking a rather minimal contract.
Frazier doesn’t need to be the only guy on the team’s mind at this point. However, he could ultimately be the one in pinstripes by March.