The Yankees have checked in on free agent Yoenis Cespedes, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports. However, GM Brian Cashman said that the plan right now is to go with the kids in right field – meaning Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks or Tyler Austin to name a few.
“I’m open to anything. But as of right now, we’re going to let the kids take a shot,” Cashman said at the GM meetings. “Our current focus is to let the kids try to take the job.” Heyman also notes that Cashman checked in with Jose Bautista‘s reps as well.
According to Heyman, Cashman isn’t heavily involved with any big name bat at the moment, but he’s not ruling anything out. “Things could change if we move money,” he said. The Yankees haven’t said yet what they want their payroll to be in 2017, and currently have just that one outfield spot open with Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury covering left and center-field.
The Yankees want to improve their power numbers from 2016, and they figure that full seasons from Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird and maybe Judge will help. But Cashman has consistently said that he’s willing to do anything to help the team, as long as it makes sense for the present and future.
Cespedes, 31, has already proven he can play in New York. He’s been an integral part of the Mets’ lineup over the past year and a half, and helped lead them to a World Series in 2015. It’s worth noting that the Yankees weren’t in on Cespedes last winter before he ultimately re-signed with the Mets. Bautista, on the other hand, just turned 36 and is reportedly seeking upwards of $30M per year.
