The New York Yankees may find themselves as free agent players this off-season. Could A.J. Pollock be a target?
The New York Yankees are in a great position as an organization. A strong farm system, pumping out prospects with what looks like a ton of pitching on the way with all their position players either in the majors or getting close. They are also under the luxury tax threshold because of this rebuild for the first time in years, with one of the strongest free agent classes in recent memory. Besides Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, there are some quality bats out there.
One of them is A.J. Pollock, who is off to a strong start for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 30-year-old outfielder is hitting .299 with an OPS of 1.023, 10 homers and 25 RBI. Pollock is fully healthy now and showing off his potential. Now it’s possible that the New York Yankees target Harper and/or Machado in free agency, but could they go with a cheaper option in Pollock?
"5. YankeesIf they decide the slugging corner outfielder Harper doesn’t fit, and the shortstop-loving Machado also doesn’t fit (though it’s possible Harper can play center or Machado third), they could go the (slightly) cheaper route, and try to sign both D-backs guys – star pitcher Patrick Corbin (which was discussed here last week) and Pollock.Odds: 9:1"
The New York Yankees still have Clint Frazier and his “legendary bat speed” in AAA. They could also pick up Brett Gardner‘s option for next year. They also still have Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Hicks and, if he ever gets healthy, Jacoby Ellsbury.
With the outfield depth, they have, on top of Frazier and top prospect Estevan Florial coming, maybe spending money on an outfielder isn’t the best way to go.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The best way to go may be on the pitching side. David Robertson, Adam Warren, and C.C. Sabathia are all free agents after the season. With Chance Adams and Justus Sheffield on the way, maybe one or both can replace Sabathia, but what about the bullpen.
There will be plenty of free agent relievers out there as well like ex-Yankee Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Brad Brach, Zach Britton and more.
The New York Yankees key players are also going to start getting more expensive. Didi Gregorius will be a free agent after 2019. Luis Severino and Greg Bird are arbitration eligible after this season.
Gary Sanchez and Judge will be arbitration eligible after 2019. Maybe they should think about spending some of their tax room on taking care of their own?
Next: Five fits for Matt Harvey
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman has all sorts of tools at his disposal between prospects and money. Pollock could be a target, but to me, I think his teammate Patrick Corbin along with locking up some of their young players long term may be the way to go.