As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2024 MLB season, the front office is undoubtedly exploring the free agency market to bolster the roster. While big-name signings often grab headlines, successful teams are adept at identifying undervalued players who can make significant contributions. Here are some under-the-radar free agency targets that could enhance the Yankees’ depth and performance in the upcoming season.
1. Mitch Garver (C)
Since the New York Yankees are mulling to eliminate its catching depth, perhaps an underrated reinforcement could be a potential fit. Mitch Garver remained an active part of the Rangers championship run in 2023. While the catcher has been undermined due to his vast injury history, Mitch fired back with a strong season in 2023. He played as many as 87 games whilst recording a .270/.370/.500 slashline. The Yanks could really use Garver’s offensive resurgence to bounce back in 2024.
2. Adam Duvall (OF)
A potent outfielder from the rival Red Sox could also intrigue the Yankees. After a disappointing couple of seasons, Adam Duvall recorded a 21 homers season in 2023. He stayed healthy for most part of the year and featured in 92 games in total. Duvall possesses a lucrative resume, which included a World Series title with the Braves, wherein he scored 38 homers and drove 113 runs. When healthy, Adam is a beast. However, acquiring Duvall will come with injury risk for the Yanks. Having said that, if the front office is willing to take the risk, no better under-the-radar outfielder exists to solve the left-field crisis for the Bombers.
3. Sean Manaea (LHP)
Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea split his time between Giants rotation and bullpen throughout the 2023 season. He finished with a 4.44 ERA and 7-6 record. The only issue with Sean is inconsistency. The pitcher has not finished even a single season below a 3.50 ERA. Having said that, Manaea is an excellent bullpen option for the Yankees. They have vacant spaces and could use Sean’s services for the same.
4. Jordan Hicks (RHP)
The sole reason to put Jordan Hicks in under the radar category is his extensive injury history. Earlier, the right-handed pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and took more than a year to recover for the same. However, even after returning, Hicks kept on experiencing discomfort, which disallowed him to last for a full season. Yet, the pitcher posted a strong season in 2023. He finished with a 3.29 ERA and 81 strikeouts. While the health issues will continue to trouble Hicks for the rest of his life, it is worth taking a plunge as far as the Yankees are concerned.
5. Michael Wacha (RHP)
Michael Wacha is the best rotational reinforcement for the New York Yankees from the under-the-radar category. His multiple seasons were ruined due to health concerns. But the pitcher bounced back in 2023. Michael played for the Padres this year and recorded a 3.22 ERA across 32 starts whilst maintaining a 14-4 record. While Wacha won’t necessarily help with the balance of the rotation, his effectiveness on the mound when healthy cannot be undermined.
