As the 2024 MLB offseason looms on the horizon, the New York Yankees face crucial decisions regarding their impending free agents. Some players will likely depart, seeking new opportunities, while others may choose to continue their journey in pinstripes. Here, we examine three Yankees free agents expected to leave and two who are likely to return in 2024.
Yankees Players To Leave In 2024
Luis Severino
Right-hander Luis Severino’s painful journey in the Bronx is expected to come to an end in 2024. One of the longest-tenured Yankees in the current group, Severino battled injuries and inconsistencies throughout his eight years of association. Moreover, things peaked in 2023 when he finished the season with a 6.65 ERA while calling himself the worst pitcher in the league. He failed to step up when the team needed him the most, which leaves no room for the Yanks to even consider an extension. Out of all the potential candidates, Severino’s axing seems inevitable.
Keynan Middleton
Keynan Middleton was traded by the New York Yankees during the mid-season deadline as a rental bullpen piece. Middleton did impress in limited outings before an injury derailed his stint. Regardless, it is highly unlikely that the Yanks would spend money on a rental piece’s extension. Also, a pitcher of Keynan’s caliber and experience won’t settle for anything less than a $7-9 million multi-year contract. Certainly, it’s not worth spending much money on Middleton, who has not proved himself useful enough in a limited sample size.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Isiah Kiner-Falefa played every card to secure his place in the Yankees lineup. He turned into a utility player overnight after losing his shortstop spot. Not only that, IFK even closed a couple of games by donning the glove on the mound. However, the harsh reality is that all his efforts and dedication would go to waste as the Yanks do not even have room for an extra utility player. They have a young Oswaldo Cabrera waiting to explode soon. Thus, Isiah Kiner-Falefa won’t return to the Bronx in 2024 after surviving multiple trade threats in the past multiple seasons.
Players To Return For Yankees In 2024
Frankie Montas
After being initially ruled out of the season owing to shoulder surgery, Frankie Montas made a miraculous comeback during the final series of the regular season. Despite Montas’ injury concerns, he is likely to receive a second chance in 2024. Montas has had limited opportunities to justify his selection. Moreover, Brian Cashman has previously ensured to squeeze each questionable trade acquisition to justify his decisions. Thus, eyeing the circumstances, the starting pitcher is most likely to extend his stay in the Bronx, at least for the 2024 season.
Wandy Peralta
Wandy Peralta remained the New York Yankees most used reliever of the 2023 season. While he witnessed a regression phase mid-season, his powerful impact in the bullpen is hard to ignore. He is an absolute bulldog when in his element, which lifts the motivation and confidence of the entire bullpen. Moreover, since Michael King is probably heading to the starting rotation, Peralta can help fill the huge void. Thus, a veteran minimum two-year contract could be a win-win deal for both sides.
