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)
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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MLB Free Agency, Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer, Cincinnati Reds. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. P. 61. Scouting Report. Cincinnati Reds. Trevor Bauer. 2. player

Bauer’s propensity to speak his mind off the field may cross him off the Yankees’ shopping list before free agency ever begins. If the organization decides to look the other way on his flamboyant personality, they may decide that his on-field performance is just what this team needs.

Bauer isn’t quite in Cole’s stratosphere as a superstar, but he would give Boone another bona fide No. 1 starter to work with at the top of the rotation. That’s crucial for the Yankees’ chances of curing their postseason demons in 2021.

The 29-year-old right-hander is also a workhorse that prides himself on pitching big innings during the regular season. The Yankees bullpen was overworked in 2020 and could benefit from the addition of a starter who likes to work deep into games.

The big question on Bauer is what sort of deal he’ll be looking for in free agency. Previously, he’s expressed a desire to work off one-year contracts for the remainder of his career. That may or may not have been attractive to Cashman and his front office.

Recently, his agent has indicated that her client is willing to alter that stance. That should make the chase to ink Bauer one of the offseason’s most intriguing storylines to watch.