The New York Yankees are in desperate need of change in the organization. They have been through a tremendous shame this year as the team failed to make the postseason. Moreover, they barely managed to maintain the streak of winning season. But this year, the NY side’s season record was terrible. They won 82-80. Moreover, fans and experts criticize the franchise for having one of the worst seasons in the last thirty years. In 2023, the Bronx Bombers had the second-worst batting average. The team who had a worse batting average than the Yankees were the Oakland Athletics.
Moreover, the NY side is looking to bring in a lot of change in the personnel and elsewhere. On top of that, this offseason, the Bronx Bombers have a lot of options in the pitching department that they might like to use as a trade package. But they would like to bring in quality outfielders. Now, among the free agents and potential free agents, Manuel Margot is a number one target for the NY side. However, they are not the only team interested in the Tampa Bay Rays’ outfielder. The Mets also have shown a lot of interest in Margot.
Yankees Will Have To Fight Mets In The Pursuit Of The Long-Awaited Manuel Margot
Most likely, the Rays will trade him this offseason. But the Yankees had their eyes set on Margot since the last trade deadline. At that time, the Rays made the veteran righty hitter available for a brief time. However, they ultimately kept him. But this offseason, things are a little bit different. The Tampa Bay Rays must trade Margot this offseason. They need to prune salaries. But they owe Margot $10 million for the next season. Moreover, Margot also has a $12 million option or perhaps a $2 million in buyout. On top of that, Margot is expandable for the Rays.
It is because they have Jose Siri as a starting outfield in the center. Randy Arozarena and Josh Lowe flanked Siri. Manuel Margot will be 29 next September. Moreover, he is a complementary piece of the Rays. Last season, Margot had a .686 OPS with four home runs and nine steals. Moreover, Margot has been a common name in the Injured List in the previous four seasons. Cody Bellinger is a better fit in the Yankees. But if the NY side doesn’t get Cody, they can try to sign Margot. He can provide center field insurance. But can the Yankees beat their city rivals in that race?
Cody And Soto Are Better Fits
Anyhow, the 27-time champions are looking for superstar outfielders this offseason. For instance, lefty hitters like Juan Soto, currently playing for the San Diego Padres, and Cody Bellinger, from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both can be pretty expensive. Anyhow, the Yankees have more options from where they can dig in the outfielders who can join Aaron Judge in their roster.
Last year, the injury to the captain really cost the NY side a heavy blow. He was out for more than a month. Clearly, the 27-time champions are heavily dependent on their 16th captain in their franchise history. Hence, the Yankees have a lot of interest in more healthy and consistent hitters.