New York Yankees Preview: Replacing Jeter

          

           The Yankees came into last season expecting to make the playoffs after adding offensive bats during free agency like Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Carlos Beltran. The Yankees problem was suppose to be their pitching but their pitching was what kept the team in the hunt for a playoff spot, while the offense did terrible and none of the free agents played to their full capabilities. During this off-season the team has come out and said they will not be spending a lot of money, which is surprising given the fact that they have needs that they can’t address with their farm system because they don’t have a lot of talent coming up.

Needs:

·      Starting Pitcher

·      Third Baseman

·      Right Fielder

·      Stay Healthy

·      Shortstop

Targets:

            While the Yankees did say they wouldn’t spend this off-season don’t be surprised if they make a play for Max Sherzer or Jon Lester, as they would fill a huge need for the Yankees. They can also look into resigning Brandon McCarthy who did a great job for the team down the stretch. The Yankees pitching is in a good place right now, they just need their pitchers to stay healthy.

            Alex Rodriguez is coming back but expect him to play a lot of DH so the Yankees need to look for a Third Baseman. They might look at getting Pablo Sandoval, but the move I see them making is resigning Chase Headley who they traded for last year.

            For right field they had Carlos Beltran playing there but he showed that his fielding has declined with age. The Yankees did resign Chris Young who was their best hitter when he got traded to New York but they could look at signing Cuban Outfielder Yasmany Tomas or signing Melky Cabrera.

            With Derek Jeter retiring the Yankees have a hole at shortstop and whoever plays their next year will have some huge shoes to fill. They could sign a player like Asdrubal Cabrera who has a good glove and would be a decent option. The most logical move would be to trade for Troy Tulowitzki, but the problem lies in whether they have the pieces to pull that trade off.

Projection:

            The Yankees still have a good team but their offensive hitters need to have a better year than last year. They also need to stay healthy in order to compete in their division. I predict that the Yankees will finish second but they could surprise people and finish first. They also face the daunting task of trying to replace the legendary Derek Jeter.