After yet another disappointing, playoff-deprived year, the New York Yankees have been active on the free agent market this winter. They signed St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday to a one-year deal to be the team’s designated hitter, and also inked closer Aroldis Chapman. The Yankees traded for Chapman a year ago, but then proceeded to deal him at the trade deadline to help build their farm system. His return to the big apple, as well as the arrival of Holliday, will help keep the Yankees competitive in the American League; however, they could make a run at the playoffs, or even the division, by signing Edwin Encarnacion.
The Yankees should Sign Edwin Encarnacion
Encarnacion has no Market
Going into the offseason, Encarancion was viewed by some as the best player on the free agent market, but his suitors have dwindled by the day. Despite hitting over 33 home runs per year since 2012 and leading baseball in RBI in 2016, Encarnacion is still without a home.
His former team, the Toronto Blue Jays, have no role to offer him, as they’ve signed Steve Pearce and Kendrys Morales. The fit is no longer there. The Boston Red Sox were expected to pursue his services, but it now appears that they will stay in-house to replace David Ortiz. The Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians have been seen as potential fits, but they appear reluctant to meet his asking price. With the market for Encarnacion so weak, the Yankees should make a move.
Bird and Austin have Question Marks
New York two young first basemen who they think very highly of in Greg Bird and Tyler Austin; however, both have question marks surrounding their games. Bird missed all of 2016 with a shoulder injury, and its unclear what exactly he will be capable of in 2017. Austin showed that he has some pop in his bat, but he struggled to hit for average.
Neither Bird or Austin is a sure thing, and it’s probably not in the Yankees best interest to go with one of them as the starting first baseman next year. If New York makes a run at a first base upgrade, it would require a trade.
Gardner or Headley would have to be Traded
While they did trade catcher Brian McCann to the Houston Astros, the Yankees would have to clear more payroll to make a run at Encarnacion. Currently, they have two veterans under contract for the next two years in Brett Gardner and Chase Headley, both making $13 million a year; however, they are both movable.
Gardner is still a valuable outfielder who can get to any ball, and can lead off for any team. Headley has the versatility to play both third and first base, which would make him a great fit on a National League team. If they can deal either Gardner or Headley, the Yankees could then pursue Encarnacion.
Encarnacion Makes too much Sense for New York
Encarnacion remains the biggest name on the free agent market, but his price tag is declining by the day. The longer his free agency drags out, the lower his contract will likely be; the Yankees should take advantage of that. If Encarnacion’s price tag continues to plummet, the Yankees should look to sign him. He would be the teams first baseman for the short term, and he would help pave the way for Bird or Austin to start when the time is right. If Encarnacion’s asking price declines to the point where they could pay him under $20 million per year for only two or three years, the Yankees should pull the trigger.
The Yankees are trying to rebuild and compete simultaneously; it’s a daunting, but not impossible, task. If his market continues to decimate, the Yankees should look to sign Edwin Encarnacion.
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