The New York Yankees have a lot of questions to answer this offseason, with the first being "who will replace Derek Jeter?" Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is reportedly one of the names that popped up at the General Managers Meetings. New York also wants to re-sign third baseman Chase Headley.
Andrus is just 26 years old and has been in the MLB for six full seasons. He owns a career batting average of .272 to go along with 959 hits and 192 stolen bases. However, his numbers have dipped over the past few seasons. His average dropped from .286 in 2012, to .271 in 2013, to .263 in 2014. His on-base percentage also dropped from .349, to .328, to .314. But New York views him as a buy-low candidate because of his recent slide to go along with his eight-year, $120 million extension that kicks in next season.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Yankees "are trying to get younger and find players who might be ready to have their best seasons now. Andrus, despite his six full seasons, does not even turn 27 until August." It's unknown if the Rangers are willing to trade Andrus, but they do have youthful replacements for him, such as Jurickson Profar, Rougned Odor and Luis Sardinas, if they were to work out a deal. These youngsters will also likely be cheaper than Andrus' $15 million annual salary through 2020 and then $14 million through 2022.
Although the Yankees are "interested," it doesn't mean much because a lot of speculation emerges from the General Managers Meetings, which will continue throughout the week.
What is known for sure is that New York is looking to re-sign Chase Headley because they fear Alex Rodriguez will unable to be an everyday third baseman. The Yankees acquired Headley prior to the trade deadline and he batted .262/.371/.398 with six home runs and 17 RBIs in 58 games. He showed decent improvement after batting .229/.296/.355 with seven home runs and 32 RBIs in 77 games with the San Diego Padres.
The only position that seems to be set-in-stone is second base, where it's assumed Martin Prado will play. First base has been an issue over the past two seasons since Mark Teixeira can't seem to stay on the field and same goes for Rodriguez at third base. Throw in a void at shortstop and you got Brian Cashman and the Yankees' front office having a very busy offseason. That's what it looks like so far.
This week should be full of MLB trade and free agent rumors, so stayed tuned for the latest news.
