Yankees are keeping tabs on Jurickson Profar

The New York Yankees have a need at left field, and they are “keeping tabs” on San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar.

The New York Yankees accomplished three of their goals this offseason — re-sign reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and bring in an additional starting pitcher to add to their rotation. They were able to retain Judge and Rizzo, while bringing in former San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Carlos Rodon on a six-year deal. While that’s all well and good, the team still has a void in left field, and most of the top options are off the board. Not to mention, Bryan Reynolds seems unlikely to be dealt by the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the 2023 season.

There is now a new name for Yankees fans to keep an eye on in regards to left field options.

During an appearance on MLB Network’s “Hot Stove,” Jon Morosi mentioned that there are teams that are interested in Reynolds who are also “keeping tabs on” San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar, who’s a free agent.

Other teams Morosi lists are the Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers.

Yankees ‘keeping tabs on’ Jurickson Profar to address left field need

Profar is coming off of his third season with the Padres, the very team that made it to the NLCS. He played a pivotal role in the team making it that far, as he was a star for them in the NL Wild Card Series against the New York Mets. Profar recorded a .333 batting average, a 1.012 OPS, one home run, three runs scored, four RBI, and four hits in the three-game series.

In the regular-season, Profar slashed .243/.331/.391 while recording 15 home runs, 58 RBI, 82 runs scored, and 140 hits.

The Yankees have two of their three starting outfield positions filled out. Judge will be in right field and Harrison Bader, last year’s trade deadline acquisition, will be in center field.

NJ.com’s Bob Klapisch reported that MLB teams don’t anticipate the Yankees making a move ahead of spring training and said that it will likely be Aaron Hicks at left field. Hicks struggled last year in the batter’s box and in the outfield, which led to him being benched late in the season.

Another option for left field is Oswaldo Cabrera, who played a variety of positions as a rookie this past season.

For Yankees fans wondering what outside options are linked to the Yankees not named Bryan Reynolds, Jurickson Profar is the latest outfielder the team is reportedly considering.