MLB free agency: One free agent each team should sign

New York Yankees: Eric Hosmer

Late-season surge of Greg Bird not withstanding, first base has been the only real weakness for the 2017 Yankees as they surge back up the standings and return to the playoffs. The Yankees are on the verge of contending for the World Series every year and retaking their status as scourge of the American League. They do not have to give up on Bird just yet, but it will be hard to pass on a free agent like Eric Hosmer.

Hosmer looks like he was made to play for the Yankees. He is good looking, charismatic, young and has a sweet left-handed stroke that is tailored for the short porch in right field. In the right park and division, Hosmer can easily blossom into a 40-homer type of hitter without sacrificing his high batting average.

There are few teams around the league who can afford to make Hosmer the type of offer he will be seeking this winter. He will be 28 next year and is just beginning to enter his offensive prime. If Jason Heyward was able to command $184 million with inferior offensive numbers, Hosmer could easily crack $200 million.

The Yankees have pared back their free-agent spending in recent years, but are positioned well to make a run at a big name this winter. Their pursuit of Hosmer could hinge on how much confidence the organization is willing to put in Bird going forward. He is still young, and if healthy, has star potential.