Yankees: 5 first basemen that could start on Opening Day

4. Freddie Freeman

If the Yankees elect to spend big at the first base position then Freeman’s name will be at the top of the list. He’s a bona fide winner whose sweet left-handed stroke at the plate could do wonders for Boone’s lineup.

The problem with acquiring Freeman is that he’s going to cost a lot of money to sign. He reportedly turned down a five-year, $135 million contract offer from the Braves. There’s a chance his deal will cross the $200 million threshold when all is said and done.

That isn’t an impossible figure for New York to spend in free agency but it would significantly limit the team’s spending power in future seasons. Don’t forget, a big-money extension for Aaron Judge should also be in the offing. Signing Freeman to a big deal would prevent New York from spending big on starting pitching in the near future.

That is the biggest reason why Freeman is unlikely to don pinstripes anytime soon. He’s a perfect fit for what the Yankees need but he resides outside the team’s price range. The only way he ends up in the Bronx is if New York goes for a really cheap option at shortstop.