Before the MLB Winter meeting, The New York Yankees had a list of players who they wanted to acquire. And the team has been successful in ticking a few names off the list by signing a contract with Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon. However, the team missed out on Andrew Benintendi as the Chicago White Sox signed the player. As a result, the bombers are now looking for other available options in the market. And recent reports suggest Michael Taylor could be one of those names.
The Yankees Could Go After Michael A Taylor!
Right under the Yankees\’ nose, The White Sox and Andrew Benintendi just reached a five-year agreement. Meanwhile, Michael Brantley has agreed to terms with the Astros. There are still a few free-agent options available, but the options are limited right now. Internal alternatives for the Yankees include Oswaldo Cabrera and Aaron Hicks. However, the former underperformed in 2022 and has a history of injuries, and the latter may be more effective in a utility position. The trading market also provides some depth prospects and presents a few tempting targets.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yankees will be considering one name for Micheal Taylor. The Royals are reportedly open to trading Taylor, and the Yankees were said to be interested in signing him this past summer, according to the reports. Taylor would function best as the Bronx\’s fourth outfielder because of his light hitting and a great glove.
The Royals are also open to trading center fielder Michael Taylor, who has a $4.5 million salary and is approaching his walk year. Kyle Isbel and Drew Waters are the centers that the Royals prefer to use. Although Taylor is a below-average hitter, the Yankees will be watching his defense. Taylor has nine home runs and a.254 batting average in 2022. But in 2021, he received a Gold Glove Award. Harrison Bader, a Gold Glover, has the Yankees\’ center field covered. However, Taylor in left, and Judge, a past Gold Glove finalist, would offer New York plenty of outfield defense.
The Yankees have a reputation for prioritizing left-field defense and frequently sought out top players who can also play center field. It\’s understandable why Brian Cashman would pick Joey Gallo as a target, even though his experience with him may have some folks on edge. Despite his superior defense, Taylor shouldn\’t be the Yankees\’ first focus this offseason. He had a slash line of.254/.313/.357 with nine home runs, ten doubles, and three triples.
Even so, there was some possibility between Taylor and the Yankees. The Yankees were in need of an outfielder at the time, and with Aaron Hicks\’ troubles forcing Judge to play center field every day, a center fielder with exceptional defensive skills made a lot of sense.
Also Read: New York Yankees Looking To Unload Aaron Hicks! How Can They Do It?