3 players the Yankees were too cheap to sign

1. Starling Marte

Continuing the reluctance to make moves before the lockout, New York missed out on another crosstown signing when former Oakland A’s outfielder Starling Marte signed a four-year, $78 million deal with the Mets on Nov. 30.

After the Mets missed out on successfully landing Steven Matz, the New York team splurged excessively in free agency, spending a total of $254.5 million on four free agents in a matter of days.

But the Yankees could have used Marte instead, having a distinct need at the outfield position as they have been trying to land several players over the course of the offseason.

The Yankees have lost Clint Frazier during free agency, while Chris Taylor remains another potential option, but Marte would have been ideal to sign.

Losing Scherzer to the Mets is embarrassment enough, but losing Marte to the Mets as well is even worse, especially given the Yankees’ embarrassment….of riches.

Once again, the Yankees missed out on an opportunity as the window to sign optimal free agents rapidly closes with the impending lockout. Without a definite end in sight, the Yankees could be waiting months, by which time players could mull over better offers from other teams.

This year, the Yankees had plenty of opportunities to pull the trigger at all their positions of need and failed every time. The players received their value on other teams, but New York remains stagnant as they refuse to make bold free agency moves.