5 under-the-radar free agents the Yankees should target this winter

BRONX, NY - OCTOBER 17: Manager Aaron Boone #17 of the New York Yankees watches batting practice as General Manager Brian Cashman looks on prior to Game 4 of the ALCS between the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, October 17, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 29: Brock Holt #12 of the Boston Red Sox looks on after striking out against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park on September 29, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. Brock Holt

If the Yankees don’t bring back shortstop Didi Gregorius, they may be in the market for a utility infielder to round out their roster this winter. Holt could be the best player available who won’t bust Cashman’s payroll.

Holt might not be capable of playing shortstop, but he can play everywhere else in the infield. He also would give Boone another left-handed bat to deploy against difficult right handers. Brett Gardner was the only southpaw in the lineup on far too many occasions last season.

Holt doesn’t have much pop, but he is a solid contact hitter who gets on base at a respectable clip. His batting average of .297 coupled with his OBP of .369 would be welcome additions to the Yankees’ lineup.

The question for Holt to answer is whether or not he’s willing to accept a deal to serve as a utility player for the Yankees. That decision worked out really well for LeMahieu last season, but Holt could opt to sign with a team that’s willing to hand him the Opening Day starting spot at second base. Expect Cashman and his front office to at least sound Holt out about donning pinstripes in 2020.

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