DETROIT — The way Scott Boras sees it, these are different days in The Bronx when it comes to free agents being seduced by the Yankees.
“It’s the first time in a lot of years the Yankees have to prove to major free agents they will be competitive next year,” Boras told The Post Thursday. “That’s never really been a question in New York, but they have so many spots to fill. It’s a different place.’’
Boras brought the topic up when asked about Korean pitcher Suk-Min Yoon, a right-hander represented by Boras, who said Yoon is a free agent. Despite reports the 27-yeer-old Yoon will participate in a showcase event for MLB clubs shortly, Boras said that won’t be the case.
Boras says he plans to talk to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman about Yoon next week, at about the same time the Yankees will hold organizational meetings in New York.
As for major free-agent talent having to be convinced the Yankees are going to be competitive next season, that really hasn’t been the case for a long time.
Starting with Mike Mussina, who signed after the 2000 season, The Bronx has always been high on recent free-agent lists. Jason Giambi, Gary Sheffield, Mark Teixeira, A.J. Burnett and CC Sabathia came for millions and the chance to win titles. Bernie Williams, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter stayed home when they were free agents. Sabathia decided not to opt out and become a free agent to remain a Yankee via an extension. Of course, Alex Rodriguez opted out of a deal and then signed a 10-year, $275 million pact to stay.
Asked to comment on Boras’ theory, Cashman declined.
While the Yankees meet next week, they won’t know what they will be able to do until soon-to-be free agent Robinson Cano makes up his mind. The Yankees certainly want the All-Star second baseman back, but not at his request for a 10-year, $310 million deal.
And then there is the Rodriguez suspension — the elephant in the room. Should Cano leave and Rodriguez be suspended for all of 2014 or a large part of it, the Yankees will have more money to spend.
Of course, the goal is to get the 2014 payroll to $189 million, but not jeopardize the chances to win a title, according to Hal Steinbrenner.
The Yankees are expected to be major players in the Masahiro Tanaka sweepstakes that will include a hefty posting fee — which doesn’t count against the payroll — for the Japanese right-hander.
Free-agent catcher Brian McCann is on the Yankees’ wish list, but might be too expensive. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo will get a long look and with the uncertainty surrounding Jeter’s legs, the Yankees could be interested in Jhonny Peralta or Stephen Drew to play shortstop.
Boras is shopping Yoon as a starter in the mold of Kyle Lohse.
“He’s a 91 to 92 [mph] guy. He’s a good pitcher … not an overpowering arm,’’ Boras said of Yoon, who worked 30 games in Korea this season, when he fanned 76 batters in 87 innings.