Yesterday we began our offseason analysis for team needs across the MLB. Starting with the AL East, we documented the Red Sox, Rays and Blue Jays and how they can replace departing free agents. Today, we're taking a look at the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles.
New York Yankees (84-78), 2nd in AL East
The Yankees failed to make the postseason during Derek Jeter's final campaign in pinstripes, but they ended the year on a solid note for the legendary shortstop. Now they must prepare for life without No. 2, but that's not their only worry. They also need to figure out if Alex Rodriguez can play third base every day, which would then affect the status of Martin Prado and where he'll play. They essentially have question marks at every position in the infield except for catcher. The outfield is seemingly set with Brett Garnder, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran (and Ichiro too if he returns). Some will argue they could use another outfielder, but there are more pressing needs.
New York has a number of departing infielders, including Jeter (retiring), third baseman Chase Headley (free agent), second baseman Brian Roberts (retiring) and second baseman/shortstop Stephen Drew (free agent). It's unlikely the Yankees will want to bring back Headley and Drew. They have Prado, who can play all over the infield, and second baseman Jose Pirelo, who they claimed from the Washington Nationals during the regular season. They have A-Rod returning, but he may be designated hitting a lot, and first base is also an issue with Mark Teixeira frequently injured. There's no way they'll need a DH because Rodriguez, Teixeira and Beltran will be switching off there.
Let's not forget about the pitching. They have question marks for all of their starters: C.C. Sabathia is returning from season-ending knee surgery; Ivan Nova is returning from Tommy John surgery; Masahiro Tanaka's elbow may not be completely healthy; Michael Pineda has 13 starts in two seasons with the team and; Hiroki Kuroda and Brandon McCarthy are free agents. Oh yeah, and closer David Robertson is a free agent as well. Instead of writing a novel, I'm going to simplify this as best I can.
Shortstop: This is a definite need for New York. Hanley Ramirez is an option, but his defense and health are big question marks, especially since he wants a contract in the $130 million range. Asdrubal Cabrera and Jed Lowrie are also available, which will be much cheaper options that provide significant experience. The Colorado Rockies also have a new general manager, so I'm not ruling out a trade for Troy Tulowitzki until the Rockies front office calls and tells me it's never happening.
Third Base: I'm going to go out on a limb and say Rodriguez won't be an everyday third baseman, simply based on the fact he hasn't played baseball in over a year and he's had two recent hip surgeries. They can sign Hanley Ramirez and put him there instead of relying on his poor range at shortstop. If the Brewers don't pick up Aramis Ramirez's $14 million option, he could be an interesting fit there. Pablo Sandoval is also scheduled to become a free agent, but the Giants are probably going to do everything they can to re-sign him. They could just put Prado at third and Pirela at second, which would be the cheapest option, but we don't know if Cashman wants to do that. Could they put
Starting Pitcher: Jon Lester, Max Scherzer and James Shields are all available. The Yankees might not sign one of them, but they'll definitely be tracking their every move. Lester and Shields have both pitched in the AL East, so they would be good fits. Scherzer would also be a great addition to a potentially deep starting rotation (if their health holds up). They will likely look to re-sign Kuroda, but if they lose him too, others are available, including Edinson Volquez, Francisco Liriano, Chris Young, Jason Hammel, Ervin Santana, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, etc. They can also re-sign Brandon McCarthy, who performed well for them after he was acquired from the Diamondbacks.
Closer: I think they'll present Roberston with a qualifying offer and he'll accept. But if that doesn't happen, they could promote Dellin Betances to closer and sign Sergio Romo as their setup man, which would be a solid 1-2 punch. Closers Casey Janssen, Francisco Rodriguez and Koji Uehara are all available. After his late collapse in Washington, Rafael Soriano could be available too if the Nationals decline his option. I list all of them because the Yankees have the deep pockets to make almost anything happen.
Baltimore Orioles (96-66), 1st in AL East
The Orioles had a great year, winning their first division title since '97 and then advancing to the ALCS. But many questions lie ahead. The MLB home run leader, Nelson Cruz, will be a free agent after the two failed to reach a contract extension that was reportedly in the works late in the regular season/early in the postseason. The team is expected to decline Nick Markakis' $17.5 million option and the two are planning to work on an extension, but it's also possible the Orioles want Markakis for cheaper than he believes he's worth. If he opts to test free agency, they're now down two outfielders.
Left-handed reliever Andrew Miller is also set to become a free agent, but he might be out of their price range. Their starting pitching, despite having a good year, doesn't look as if it's built for the future or for the postseason, so they could make an offer for one of the marquee names.
Outfield: The goal here would be to re-sign Cruz and Markakis back for reasonable prices, but that might not be possible. So here are some names that are available that might appeal to the Orioles: Melky Cabrera, Norichika Aoki, Michael Cuddyer, Torii Hunter, Alex Rios, Michael Morse and Josh Willingham. 23-year-old Cuban defector Yasmany Tomas is also available, but he's expected to reel in a contract in the $100 million range, so he might be out of Baltimore's budget. But wouldn't that be a great youthful solution to Cruz's departure?
Relief Pitcher: Miller will likely receive a lot of attention, and at 30 years old he's going to want the best deal he can get. Other left-handed relievers the Orioles can look at include Neal Cotts, Phil Coke, Zach Duke and Tom Gorzelanny.
Starting Pitcher: Like I said earlier, Lester, Scherzer and Shields are available, but they're going to be expensive. However, Baltimore needs that one ace their staff is lacking, so it remains a possibility. It wouldn't really make sense for them to sign any of the other available names because they're all of the same magnitude as their current starters.
*It's also a possibility they trade the arbitration-eligible Chris Davis, especially after his 25-game suspension. They could work out a deal for one of their above needs.
Well, that's it for the AL East. Let us know what you think. This week we'll also cover the AL Central.
