The New York Yankees are expected to be aggressive this MLB Free Agency after missing the postseason. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner knows he may have to invest heavily this winter, filling key positions, including a top-name free agent.
There are a lot of big names waiting for an offer, headlined no less by Shohei Ohtani, SNY reported. Although their chances do not look good since the three-time All-Star is in win-now mode, there are still a lot of names that the Yankees can consider.
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Here are 3 players the Yankees should target:
1. Lars Nootbar, St. Louis Cardinals
Someone who could make sense for the Yankees is Lars Nootbar of the St. Louis Cardinals. The 26-year-old outfielder made a name for himself playing in the Japanese national team at the World Baseball Classic, where he started at center.
Last season with the Cardinals, he slashed .259/.358/.382 with five homers and 25 RBIs. Although those numbers may not be eye-catching, his defense could be something the Yankees could use. He is a prized defender ranking in the 81st percentile in outs above average; the New York Daily News pointed out.
2. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Orix Buffaloes
With no assurance of successfully getting Ohtani, the Yankees could turn to another Japanese player in Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He is an intriguing player in the free agent market, although it may require a substantial financial pitch to lure the 25-year-old pitcher to the Big Apple, the New York Post suggested.
Yamamoto had an impressive showing last season, where he pitched to an astonishing 1.16 ERA over 171 innings. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been keeping tabs on his progress, although successfully getting the Japanese player will depend on the money on the table.
3. Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs
Aside from Ohtani, there is no bigger name to aim for than Cody Bellinger. However, a concern could be the 28-year-old's health.
He is coming off a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required surgery. Despite that, the 2020 World Series champion had impressive numbers last MLB season. The Cubs are expected to try and retain Bellinger, so it may take a lot to convince the two-time All-Star to jump ship, NBC Sports Chicago reported.
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