New York Yankees considering Michael Young, Brian Roberts, Mark Reynolds

Having already watched Robinson Cano depart for Seattle and with most of the other appealing options coming off the board, the New York Yankees are still searching for another infielder on the open market and reportedly have a handful of veterans in consideration. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman relays that the team has Mark Reynolds, Michael Young, and Brian Roberts on their radar.

New York’s shrewd addition of Kelly Johnson earlier this offseason does give the team some added flexibility in this search, as Johnson is capable of handling either second or third base. None of the players Heyman mentions, however, would represent a significant option in the team’s efforts to replace Cano.

Reynolds spent some time in 2013 with the Yankees, hitting .236/.300/.455 in 120 PA over the season’s final six weeks. He’d began the year with the Cleveland Indians before receiving his release in mid-August. Reynolds had a very Reynolds-like 2013 season: 21 HR, 154 SO, and a .220/.306/.393 overall line across 504 PA. The all-or-nothing slugger is really best suited at first base but can handle third if needed, though defense is hardly his strong suit. A reunion in New York appears unlikely.

Roberts presents his own questions, most notably surrounding his health. Each of the past four seasons have been hindered by injuries, holding the veteran to just 192 games since the start of the 2010 season in which he’s hit .246/.310/.359. Never a big power threat, much of Roberts’ value hinged on his athleticism and speed in the field and on the bases – both attributes slowed by an inability to remain on the field.

Young would likely be the most logical choice of the group and this wouldn’t be the first time that New York has expressed an interest in acquiring him (they did this past August before Young was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers). The 37 year old combined to hit .279/.335/.395 in 565 PA in 2013, spending most of the year in the middle of the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup. The veteran’s likely the most versatile of this group, having seen significant time at all four infield positions during his career (though he hasn’t seen regular time at shortstop since 2008) and would likely be the best fit of the group, depending on what kind of deal he’s searching for. Young was linked briefly to the Dodgers earlier this month, but the team has since re-signed Juan Uribe instead.