Yankees have been linked to almost everyone at some point this off-season
With Hiroki Kuroda firmly signed into the 2013 rotation, the plan for the off-season is admittedly clearer. New York will move to try to resign Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte next, solidifying a deep rotation and bullpen.
They can then take a back seat towards pitching, potentially making lower profile signings for a veteran starter sometime in December or January on a cheap one year deal.
With the catcher spot, right field and all of the bench except backup catcher still up for grabs, all of these players can play a role, but let’s review the likeliness of each signing.
Jeff Keppinger
Out of everyone, Keppinger makes the most sense, but the question will remain of whether he would be able to accept a less predictable role. The utility infielder had 385 at bats last year with the division rival Rays and played third and second base. At 32 years old, Keppinger is still in his prime and mashed .376 against lefties.
His nine home runs imply he has the ability to hit a long ball and he struck out just 31 times. Keppinger is an ideal fit in a lineup where Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are past their prime and require extra rest, the DH spot is not solidified and the team struggles to hit lefties, hit situationally and avoid strikeouts.
With Robinson Cano‘s contract expiring at the end of 2013, the second base job has the potential to be open as soon as 2014 and Keppinger will easily get at least 385 plate appearances in his role next season.
Even if it requires a second year, Keppinger’s role will not require enough money where the Yankees shouldn’t offer it to him anyway.
Scott Hairston
Hairston can play all three outfield positions, hit 20 home runs in Citi Field last year, a documented pitcher’s park, hits right-handed and offers a nice compliment to a potential all lefty outfield for the Yankees next year.
If New York gives Chris Dickerson an outfield reserve role and brings back Raul Ibanez for DH duties, they will have five potential lefty outfielders.
For this reason, the ability to hit with power, play everywhere in the outfield and because he’s a veteran but turning just 33 years-old, Hairston is also an ideal fit in the Bronx.
If the Yankees can get him to move across the Hudson on a one year deal, Hairston is a no-brainer.
Signing these two players would mean a bench of: Keppinger, Hairston, whichever backup catcher wins the role, Eduardo Nunez and potentially Chris Dickerson, which would involve speed, a range of offensive ability and versatile defense.
Raul Ibanez
He’s turning 41 but Ibanez could be something of a modern day Matt Stairs, brought in to hit a game-tying home run and to occasionally DH. Ibanez had no issue proving he could handle both roles in 2012 so if the terms are right on a one year deal, why not give him another shot in 2013?
Ichiro Suzuki
It’s been reiterated all off season, but Ichiro is the ideal candidate for right field in Yankee Stadium next year. Recently, Ichiro expressed the Yankees as his top choice, at this stage in his career he could be obtained on a one year deal, he plays exceptional defense, and offers a speed and contact element the Yankees need.
Ichiro can also hit double digit long balls with a short porch in right field for a full season and makes complete sense as a stop gap to one of the Yankees’ better outfield prospects in 2014.
An outfield of Granderson in left field, Gardner in center and Ichiro in right would be exceptional with Granderson’s inability to read the ball well covered up with less ground to cover, Gardner being placed where he should be and Ichiro returning to his natural position in right field.
Eric Chavez
Chavez, like Ibanez and Ichiro, is no longer in his prime. However, unlike those two players, Chavez was barely healthy while in his prime and continues that trend every season now.
While he plays solid defense and can play first base when necessary, it makes more sense to sign a righty bat like Keppinger’s than to bring eric Chavez back for a third season in New York.
He is too unreliable from a health standpoint, was non-existent in the 2012 playoffs and plays a position where the Yankees need a younger and versatile backup with A-Rod likely to miss extended time in 2013.
Russell Martin
Martin, like Ichiro would be in charge of manning a position where the Yankees actually have depth in the farm system, just not major league ready depth in 2013.
Still in his prime and fully educated on the Yankees’ pitching staff after the past two seasons, Martin does have an inside track on being resigned, but it would only make sense on a one year deal.
Whatever Martin demands (5-8 million dollars per season?) is acceptable in 2013 but too costly if it carries over into 2014 when the Yankees’ self imposed salary cap kicks in.
New York has enough backup catcher options (Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine, Eli Whiteside and Chris Stewart) where Martin is not a necessity, but he still makes sense on a one year deal.
Mike Napoli
While Martin suffered last year defensively, Napoli has never been known for his ability behind the plate. Seeking a three or four year deal, this was more of an early offseason rumor and Napoli makes little sense in the Bronx.
Mark Teixeira will likely play first base the majority of the season and is considered an everyday starter, New York needs a flexible DH spot with aging players and Napoli is not suited to play full-time behind the plate.
From a position and salary standpoint, Napoli makes more sense to get overpaid somewhere like Boston than to be pursued by the Yankees.
