The New York Yankees fell short of the World Series title after losing out to Astros in the ALCS. Hence, this off-season, the Bombers came out all guns blazing and took aggressive steps. The club spent $522 million on just two players. Moreover, the Yanks retained most of the arbitration-eligible players with suitable one-year contracts.
However, the Yankees’ business remains unfinished. The club still has a massive hole in the left field after Andrew Benintendi left for the White Sox. Various rumors surfaced throughout the off-season, but no sign-ins were made. Now, the latest updates from an MLB insider state the Yankees are showing serious interest in three huge free agents. But the question remains, can the Yankees close a deal before the opening day?
Yankees Eye Jurickson Profar, David Peralta, Bryan Reynolds
The New York Yankees are in desperate need of an outfielder to field in the left. Hence, the Yanks front office scouted many options in the free agent market. Every day, a new name emerged as the potential interest of the Yanks. But, no talks were fruitful as the involved parties could not reach an agreement. Meanwhile, an MLB insider, Jon Heyman, states the Yankees are in negotiations with three big names, Jurickson Profar, David Peralta, and Bryan Reynolds.
However, both Profar and Peralta know their worth and are unlikely to settle for less. Whereas Bryan Reynolds trade is unlikely to happen any time soon as the Pittsburgh Pirates have put a ridiculous price tag that will require the Yankees to sell their farm. Furthermore, the Bombers are facing a cash crunch due to luxury tax laws. They have already reached their threshold, and any money spent above the limit will require them to pay a heavy tax.
“They’ve talked to free agents Jurickson Profar and David Peralta, and Pirates center fielder Bryan Reynolds,” says Jon Heyman.
David Peralta Is The Newest Addition To The Bombers Trade Rumors
Jurickson Profar and Bryan Reynold’s names have surfaced for a while in the Yankees’ potential trade rumors. However, both the sign-ins look unlikely as the Yanks are unable to meet their payroll. Now, former Tampa Bay Rays outfielder David Peralta’s name emerges as a rumored interest of the Bombers. However, to acquire any new big names, the Yanks will have to exceed the luxury tax threshold unless the club finds a way to shed some money internally.
Meanwhile, Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Estevan Florial remain the three internal options for the Yankees in the left field. However, Hicks had a terrible postseason last year, and Oswald, Estevan lacks experience. Further, Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, confirmed Aaron Hicks will start in the left field until the club’s quest to acquire one ends. Hence, this confirms that the Bronx Bombers are still trying hard to pull a cheap deal in the free agency before the opening day.