The New York Yankees were a solid playoff team this season, but they tried to make themselves a championship team with deadline acquisitions of multiple relievers, Jose Caballero, and Ryan McMahon.
While McMahon didn’t really pan out like they hoped, there is a possible upgrade in free agency. Fansided’s Rucker Haringey urged the Yankees to pursue All-Star utility man Jorge Polanco as an upgrade for either second base, third, or left field.
“New York places value on versatility, which is why signing Jorge Polanco could make a lot of sense. He’s not a plus defender but he can hold up at second, third or left field. That, combined with his ability to hit for extra bases, would make him a good fit on the Yankees’ roster…Signing Polanco isn’t going to win the press conference with the New York media, but he’d give Boone another professional hitter to wield against quality pitching. Landing another bat who can make elite contact and hit with some pop could help the Yankees lengthen their lineup in a major way,” Haringey wrote.
This season, Polanco slashed .265/.326/.495/.821 with 30 doubles, 26 home runs, and 78 RBI in 138 games. He’s also a switch-hitter, which would play very well in Yankee Stadium.
Polanco could play at second, shortstop, third, or left field for the Yankees, but with Jazz Chisolm and Anthony Volpe taking up the middle infield, that leaves third and left. With McMahon not hitting well at all last season, taking his spot seems most likely.
Hopefully, the Yanks contact Polanco ASAP, as his current team, the Seattle Mariners, will definitely try and retain him.
