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