After an overachieving 2015 MLB season, the New York Yankees have to feel good about their chances in 2016 as their young players continue to improve. However, one area of need is at second base and rumors suggest that could be the top priority in free agency for general manager Brian Cashman.
Might the Yanks spend some money and explore signing either Daniel Murphy, Ben Zobrist or Howie Kendrick this offseason?
The Yankees endured a number of issues with the second base situation this past season. Stephen Drew was a solid defender, but he batted just .201/.271/.381 in 131 games. Rookie Rob Refsnyder was an offensive upgrade, but his defense is still a question mark (he had 18 errors in 107 games at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre).
On top of that, Brendan Ryan, Jose Pirela and Dustin Ackley aren't exactly the answer.
Cashman is not looking to spend big money because the team is waiting for a number of contracts to come off the payroll after 2016, but it wouldn't hurt to invest in a surefooted second baseman that can put the ball in play on offense and help Didi Gregorius defend up the middle.
"There is little cash coming off the books -- next year is more significant, when Mark Teixeira, Carlos Beltran and possibly CC Sabathia see their deals expire -- but the Yanks will be involved with a list of free-agent second basemen that includes Daniel Murphy, Ben Zobrist and Howie Kendrick. Early indications are that they won't wander into the nine-figure neighborhood of this free-agent market," writes Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
However, all of these infielders might constitute a big risk, which is something Cashman won't want to delve into. Murphy's surge in the first two rounds of the postseason really increased his market value and rumors suggest he could earn at least $50 million. No shot the Yankees pay that price and possibly surrender a draft pick if Murphy is presented with the qualifying offer.
Zobrist, 34, is coming off an excellent season during which he helped the Kansas City Royals win a World Series, but what would it take to sign him?
"No doubt Zobrist is a valuable player who can help at second base, shortstop, third base, or the outfield, but there's a problem," writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. "'It's Father Time,' said one American League executive. 'Ben is 35 years old. He keeps in great shape and does the job, but he's not someone you're going to devote big dollars to over a long-term deal.' Agent Alan Nero sees it differently. Nero feels Zobrist can get a three- or four-year deal on the market. Nero has not discussed Zobrist with the Royals yet, and doesn't know whether they are open to retaining him."
Based on the onerous long-term contracts the Yankees have offered to aging players, it's hard to believe Cashman is looking to do that when the team is looking to be more financially prudent.
And finally, Kendrick would be a solid acquisition, but one thing can be an obstacle in such a signing.
"The Dodgers plan to give second baseman Howie Kendrick the $15.8 million qualifying offer, no questions asked. That's not a lot of loot for them," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
If that's the case, as it might be with Murphy, then the Yankees would be forced to surrender their first-round pick in the 2016 draft if Kendrick turns down the Dodgers' QO and signs with New York. The Yankees have the 22nd pick, and although they might not view that as a big loss, Cashman has vowed to bolster the farm system and build from within.
New York may surprise and work out a beneficial signing, but don't be surprised if the team has Refsnyder polish his defense in the offseason so he can start at second base on Opening Day.
