This offseason, the Yankees set out to address some needs of their roster. Namely, starting pitching, with one of the two “elite” starters that Cashman was looking for already in the fold with James Paxton. However, the club still has other needs to be addressed. So here are three non-tendered free agents the Yankees should consider.
Jonathan Schoop
Schoop was a thorn in the Yankees’ side for many years during his tenure as an Oriole before being dealt to the Brewers this past July. Although his time with Milwaukee was a bit inconsistent, the 2017 all-star has shown an ability to produce power. A return to the AL East and the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium, Fenway and Camden Yards could be a homecoming much needed for the infielder.
New York has a need in the middle of the diamond for at least the first half of the season, with Didi out recovering from Tommy John. So having Schoop at second base alongside Gleyber Torres will allow the Yankees to pivot away from the $350M man in Manny Machado and, instead, allow the team to see what they have in Torres and Miguel Andújar for another season.
Xavier Cedeño
With David Robertson and Zach Britton currently free agents, who will undoubtedly require a pretty penny on the market, the Bronx Bombers could look to a less expensive alternative and that could be Xavier Cedeño. In 2018 Xavier, quietly had a superb season. Spending time with the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers, Cedeño pitched to the tune of a 2.43 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 33.1 innings.
Xavier Cedeño would provide their staff with a proven situational lefty in the bullpen. Cedeño held lefty batters to an OPS of .583 while righties have more success with a .796 mark.
James McCann
The Yankees are confident that Gary Sanchez will rebound in 2019. That being said, solidifying the backup catcher spot with someone a bit more productive than Austin Romine would certainly benefit the team. McCann, 28, is known as a solid defensive presence behind the plate and he can provide more power than what Romine has provided the Yankees in recent years.
McCann still has two years of club control left and earned on $2.35 million last season which would be less than what the Yankees would be paying Romine through arbitration. This signing would give the Yankees someone else who can aid Gary Sanchez in his development behind the plate.
Schoop signed by Twins