The New York Yankees received its first major blow this off-season after Andrew Benintendi left to join Chicago White Sox. Andrew left a major hole in the Yankees roster, as the club is now left with no left-field replacement. In a surprising move, the Yanks even let go of strong free agents. Hence, as the trade is closing down, the Bombers are still left wandering for a potential left-field choice to replace Andrew.
Meanwhile, an earlier report suggested that the Bombers are negotiating with the Pirates to acquire Bryan Reynolds. However, the deal is not even close to being done. Moreover, Brian Cashman said the club is ready to make internal adjustments if they fail to get hold of any more free agents. In other news, a recent report from an MLB insider states that the Yankees are eyeing Jurickson Profar for a possible trade.
“Yankees Are Keeping Tabs On Jurickson Profar,” Says Jon Morosi
The Yankees’ left-field woes have dominated most of the off-season discussions. Every now and then, a rumor of a trade pops in, but nothing concrete really comes out of it. Meanwhile, another rumor has started to float around just ahead of the spring training. An MLB insider, Jon Morosi, reported that the Bombers are amongst the part of a group who are keeping tabs on Jurickson Profar.
Jurickson Profar is a former San Diego Padres infielder/outfielder. He made his debut in 2012 and was an instant hit. However, over the years, he has failed to live up to the hype and mostly remained under the shadows. Moreover, frequent injuries also played it part in ruining his seasons. Still, his experience and switch-hitting abilities make him a good addition. Also, Jurickson can perfectly fit into the Yankees’ offensive approach. Hence, in the long term, they can use Profar in the left field. However, no official confirmation regarding his onboarding has come yet since a few other clubs are also rooting for the switch hitter.
“That same general group is keeping tabs on Jurikson Profar. That includes the Yankees” said Jon Morosi.
Bryan Reynolds Trade Unlikely To Happen Soon For The Bombers
In another strong move to fill in the left field hole, the Yankees approached Pittsburgh Pirates for a trade of Bryan Reynolds. FYI, Bryan opted out of his three-year deal with the Pirates and asked for a trade. However, the Pirates reportedly have put up a ridiculously high price on the trade request. They have asked the Yankees for three of their top four prospects. Naturally, the Bombers refused to trade Bryan until the Pirates lowered their demand.
Bryan Reynolds could be a perfect and strong fit in the Yankees roster. However, the deal is unlikely to happen any time soon, at least not this off-season. Meanwhile, Yankee bossman Brian Cashman earlier stated that they are very much capable of resolving the left field issues internally. For now, Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera are the potential in-house candidates who could take the left field.