The New York Yankees have several holes to fill on their roster before the season starts, so they are expected to be very active after the lockout.
They didn’t make any major moves before the lockout, but at least they did some homework on three major free agents.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the club checked medicals on pitchers Carlos Rodon and Yusei Kikuchi and shortstop Carlos Correa.
“(Actual baseball news: new daily feature during lockout) Yankees requested/received medicals for free agents Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon and Yusei Kikuchi pre lockout. Smart to cover bases since 2nd free agency will be frenzied. SS/SP are needs but they do have 2 good SS prospects,” Heyman reported.
(Actual baseball news: new daily feature during lockout) Yankees requested/received medicals for free agents Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon and Yusei Kikuchi pre lockout. Smart to cover bases since 2nd free agency will be frenzied. SS/SP r needs but they do have 2 good SS prospects.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 9, 2022
Correa was mostly healthy in a very productive 2021 campaign, in which he won both the Gold and Platinum Glove awards for his defensive excellence.
As a hitter, he had 26 home runs, scored 104 runs and drove in 92, with a .279/.366/.485 line.
Will The Yankees Spend Big On These Three Free Agents?
He will be very expensive, though, perhaps more than Corey Seager, who signed for $325 million with the Texas Rangers.
As for the other two potential targets, both are talented lefties who had some physical issues last year.
Rodon had some arm soreness in September and was limited in the postseason, while Kikuchi was not the same after a COVID-19 case in July.
The White Sox’s lefty finished the season with a brilliant 2.37 ERA, 185 strikeouts and a 0.96 WHIP, but pitched only 132.2 frames.
Meanwhile, Kikuchi had a a 4.41 ERA in 157 innings with the Seattle Mariners.
He was reportedly considering several three-year offers before the lockout, so the Yankees would have competition for his services if they decide to pursue him.
Will the Yankees be able to sign one or more players of this trio?
They do need reinforcements.
NEXT: Joey Gallo Will No Longer Have To Beat The Shift
