MLB Rumors: 5 players the Yankees should target in Free Agency

MLB Rumors: 5 players the Yankees will target in Free Agency

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: Trevor Bauer #27 of the Cincinnati Reds delivers a pitch in the first inning during game two of a doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on September 4, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 15: Marcell Ozuna #20 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on October 15, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. 3. Marcell Ozuna. player. 17. Scouting Report. OF. Atlanta Braves

The Yankees’ aforementioned need for an upgrade over Gardner also brings Ozuna into play. He was huge for the Braves during their postseason run in 2020. Atlanta would like to bring him back, but Ozuna could get too expensive for a team that doesn’t like to commit big dollars to veterans.

Ozuna will be 30 when he signs his next contract, but he played at an MVP-level for Atlanta last season. The Yankees would love to add a guy who hit for a .338 batting average and clubbed 18 home runs to their star-studded lineup. Ozuna’s maturity as a hitter could help make Boone’s batting order even tougher for opposing pitchers to maneuver around.

The outfielder’s ability to be a clubhouse leader also should increase his potential value to the Yankees. There was a ton of talent in New York’s locker room last year, but the group clearly missed the emotional lift a guy like CC Sabathia could give them when times were tough. Cashman isn’t the sort of executive to overpay for that kind of emotion, but it is something that could cause Boone and his coaching staff to push for with Ozuna.

The Yankees should not hand out a massive long-term deal to Ozuna based on his career season in 2020, but paying him like an All-Star would be completely justified. The team may get outbid by a franchise that needs him more, but Ozuna could put New York over the top in 2021.

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