Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is on the Yankees’ radar
By Jake Misener
According to Jon Heyman of of CBS Sports, the New York Yankees have discussed free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo during recent organizational meetings, joining the likes of Carlos Beltran and Brian McCann as potential signings this winter.
"Multiple sources say the Yankees do like Choo very much. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman declined comment abut Choo specifically but noted that outfield isn’t their top priority for a team that has many needs."
Choo was a critical part of the Cincinnati Reds’ offense in 2013, finishing with the second-highest on-base percentage in the National League at .423, trailing only teammate Joey Votto.
Heyman reports that the team has “several” needs, including starting pitching, third base and catcher, and that the outfield doesn’t rank as high on their list at this time.
That being said, New York is said to appreciate Choo’s ability to get on base, something that the Yankees struggled with, at times, last season, when the team missed the postseason for just the second time in 19 years.
In addition to the Yankees, several other organizations are said to be interested in the South Korean native, increasing the competition for his services.
"The Rangers, Cubs, Astros, Mariners, Phillies, incumbent Reds and Mets are among other teams that may make sense for Choo. Houston could be an interesting surprise entry."
The Yankees’ top targets remain McCann and free agent pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, according to multiple reports, but the addition of Choo would add a shot in the arm to an aging New York roster.