The Yankees will have no shortage of holes to fill when the general managers’ meetings begin on Monday in Orlando, Fla., and though some in the organization envision high-priced free agents such as Brian McCann and Shin-Soo Choo eventually winding up in The Bronx, they can’t rely simply on outbidding the opposition this offseason.
Though the Yankees continue to wait for Curtis Granderson’s decision on their $14.1 million qualifying offer — which comes with a Monday 5 p.m. deadline— they won’t know the fate of Alex Rodriguez and his 211-game suspension for a while, something manager Joe Girardi said was weighing on his mind.
While there’s no obvious fix at third base, sources said the team has at least discussed the possibility of reuniting with Eric Chavez, who could provide part-time help at both corner infield positions and designated hitter.
Chavez had an OPS of .845 two years ago with the Yankees and then chose to sign quickly when his hometown Diamondbacks offered him a deal last year. Though he again battled health issues in 2013, Chavez managed an OPS of .810 in 254 plate appearances and could provide a left-handed bat in a platoon and occasionally spell Mark Teixeira at first base.
Even Chavez, 35, has acknowledged he can’t be an everyday player anymore, but he also wouldn’t cost a ton for a team that still hopes to get payroll under $189 million next season.
If, as reported, Reds catcher Ryan Hanigan becomes available following Cincinnati’s signing of former Tiger Brayan Pena, the Yankees could have interest.
In need of catching help after Chris Stewart, Austin Romine and J.R. Murphy underwhelmed last season as replacements for Russell Martin, the Yankees have reached out to McCann, one of the most sought-after bats on the market, but one that could prove to be too expensive.
The 33-year-old is arbitration eligible and has been one of the top defensive backstops in the National League. He is, however, coming off a dreadful season at the plate, seeing his OPS drop from .703 in 2012 to .567 last year, when injuries helped limit him to just 75 games.