Chicago Cubs: Three potential landing spots for Kyle Schwarber

New York Yankees

As soon as Kyle Schwarber received his non-tender news on Wednesday, the New York press immediately began exploring options to bring the young left-handed hitter to the New York Yankees.

This is not unusual, of course. New York is the league’s best free-agent destination and the Yankees are not shy about spending in free agency.

In recent years the Yankees have been in an interesting position. Although this team is in no need of hitting, New York possesses a lineup laden with right-handed bats. Schwarber, a lefty, could easily take advantage of the short porch in Yankee Stadium’s right field.

If the Chicago Cubs were to tender Schwarber, his worth projected at around $8 million. After the non-tender, it’s unlikely for the 27-year-old to earn more than this.

The Yankees could afford a short-term contract at less than $8 million. But, taking money out of the equation, the Yankees roster would need some reworking to make room for Schwarber.

Giancarlo Stanton is the Yankees mainstay at DH. He’s not going anywhere. Schwarber would have to play a defensive position, either in left field or at first base. With Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge locked in at center field and right field, this leaves only one outfield spot. Schwarber could start in left field before using Brett Gardner or Mike Tauchman as late-game defensive substitutions.

The issue? This leaves the ultra-talented prospect, Clint Frazier, without a spot. New York highly values Frazier’s future, so this option seems less likely.

New York could also explore moving Schwarber to first base. Would the Yankees be willing to explore Luke Voit’s trade value, after leading the AL in home runs last year, to add additional starting pitching? Schwarber slots into first, which flips the first base bat to left-handed, and offers similarly-capable defense at the position.