Some Less Talked About Free Agents

By Andrew Hefner

December 29, 2024

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The Yankees have undoubtedly had a great rebound from the loss of Juan Soto. Brian Cashman has so far exceeded in completing a daunting task. While major upgrades in both starting and relief pitching, and a suitable left fielder in Cody Bellinger coming to the Bronx have been nice, it's still impossible to ignore the obvious gaps still present on the team. Jazz Chisolm is between two positions and a relatively ill-equipped prospect pool is seemingly going to have to fill positions.

What are some moves Cashman can still make from some “less talked about” free agents?

Whit Merrifield, Estimated Contract: 1 Year - $740k-1,500,000

The former 3-time all-star and utility man, Whit Merrifield has not gained much traction thus far in free agency. After a less-than-stellar one-year stint with the Phillies, he was released and later grabbed by the Braves to fill some gaps in an injury-plagued starting lineup. The 35-year-old second baseman and outfielder could provide some good depth at an already thin second base position for the Yanks while giving some veteran leadership to young Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera. Merrifield will be as cheap and anyone will come nowadays in the MLB so why not take a swing at a veteran with a good upside? 

Austin Hays, Estimated Contract: 2 Years - $12,000,000

Austin Hays is a familiar name for Yankees fans as the left fielder spent the first 7 years of his career with the division rival Baltimore Orioles. At the deadline last summer, Hays was dealt to the Phillies following a worse-than-average first half and he continued to decline throughout the season, even with his new squad. An average player at best, Hays can be a good short-term replacement for Alex Verdugo, and at just 29 years old with no major injuries, he could be a consistent bat to implement into the current lineup. 

Michael Lorenzen, Estimated Contract: 1 Year - $4,000,000

Michael Lorenzen has no doubt been around baseball for a long time. Entering his 10th season this year, Lorezen has been on a trend of one-year deals for the past five seasons and has yet to truly call anywhere home. The one-time all-star had his second most innings pitched last year at age 33, and in 7 starts with the Royals, he put up a 1.57 ERA with 22 Ks to end the season. Again, he will come cheaper than most, and if Marcus Stroman does end up being dealt this offseason, he can slot right into the rotation, or the bullpen if needed. 

José Leclerc, Estimated Contract: 3 Years - $11,000,000

José Leclerc is a great low-risk signing that the Yankees could make to once again bolster their bullpen. Leclerc has spent 9 years with the Texas Rangers and in his most recent season had his highest inning pitched count of his entire career. José also has already had Tommy John surgery early in his career, so the thought would hopefully be that he should be safe barring any major injuries. I think Matt Blake could have a field day with a guy like Leclerc and can turn him into one of the top relievers in Baseball. 

Paul DeJong, Estimated Contract: 1 Year - $1,000,000

With no current second baseman on the roster (besidesDJ LeMahieu) it seems increasingly likely that Jazz Chisolm will make the switch back to second. The third base market has been stretched thin for the Yankees who are reportedly out on a potential deal for Nolan Arenado with Alex Bregman seemingly looking elsewhere. Paul DeJong, although not anyone's first choice for 3B, is again a formidable (and cheap) option for the Yanks. He also has the potential to move around the infield if needed as he has experience at most positions. There is no real downside to having him around as if needed, Oswaldo Cabrera or another prospect can take his place.