Taking a look at which New York Yankees are set to become unrestricted free agents during the upcoming 2020 offseason.
Following a disappointing end to the ALCS, the New York Yankees will be looking to make some moves this offseason to better their chances of making a World Series appearance for the first time since 2009. The majority of eyes will be on the free agency pool.
While the Yankees could bring in some outside help, knowing which of their own players are set to hit the market matters as well. Some of these players will get re-signed. Others might be told to test the market—resulting in a new uniform. Even before the World Series comes to an end, Brian Cashman and the front office are readying plans for these pending free agents.
Without getting into arbitration or player and team options for free agency, here’s a look at which Yankees are pending unrestricted free agents for the offseason:
C Austin Romine
The 30-year-old backstop has been a depth piece with the Yankees for recent seasons. He has provided an adequate bat in limited work while serving as a solid backup catcher defensively. With Gary Sanchez the starter until further notice, it isn’t clear if Romine will be retained. Appearing in 72 games in 2019, Romine slashed .281/.310./.439 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs.
SS Didi Gregorius
Likely the biggest pending free agent that the Yankees have to make a decision with, Gregorius is an interesting one. At 29 years old, Sir Didi is a leader in the locker room. He didn’t have quite the season expected of him upon return from Tommy John surgery. It is unlikely the Yankees make him the qualifying offer of roughly $17.8 million. Gregorius has been a key cog on and off the field while taking on the seemingly impossible task of replacing Derek Jeter. He will be the one to watch this offseason.
OF Brett Gardner
The Yankees brought Gardner back on a one-year deal before the 2019 season. There’s a chance they do so again if they want his leadership and left-handed bat as a depth piece in 2020. The 36-year-old appeared in 141 games slashing .251/.325/.503 with a career-high 28 home runs and 74 RBIs.
OF Cameron Maybin
Immediately making an impact when he arrived, Maybin was a productive and fun player for the Bronx Bombers in 2019. He played solid defense all over the outfield and came through with some big hits in his 82 games played. Maybin finished with 11 home runs and a .858 OPS.
RP Dellin Betances
It was a rough year for Betances. He started the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury and then suffered a lat injury in July. Betances wouldn’t see the field until Sept. 15. In his first outing back, he struck out two batters but suffered an Achilles injury that would keep him out for the rest of the season. He’s been electric during his time with the Yankees coming out of the bullpen so there will likely be interest in re-signing him.
RP Cory Gearrin
The Yankees claimed Gearrin off of waivers from the Seattle Mariners in August. He only pitched 14.0 innings, recording a 4.79 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP