In the wake of the McCann deal, the New York Yankees are looking to tap into the free agent market for a designated hitter.
Well, the New York Yankees are suddenly in the market for a new designated hitter following Brian McCann’s departure and two names have been picking up interest.
According to Jon Heyman, the Bombers are “seriously looking” into Carlos Beltran and Edwin Encarnacion as potential replacements for McCann.
Beltran, who spent two and a half years in the Bronx, slashed .304/.344/.546 with an OPS of .890 and 22 home runs in 99 games during the first half in New York in 2016.
The 39-year old switch-hitter kept his stock up by smacking seven home runs and 12 doubles in 52 games for the AL West-winning Texas Rangers. He was denied his first World Series win after being swept in the ALDS by the Blue Jays but fully plans on returning to the game for his 20th season.
The Red Sox, Astros and Blue Jays had also shown interest in Beltran’s services. One can safely assume he’ll be seeking a one-year deal.
Encarnacion slugged 42 home runs and drove in 127 runs along with winning his third all-star appearance in four years. Since 2012, he has hit 193 home runs — the second most in the American league behind Chris Davis.
Per Spotrac, the former Blue Jay is primed for a huge pay day. They estimate his market value to be able to obtain a deal worth around $20-25 million per year.
Cashman was able to save some cash in the McCann deal, being responsible for just $11 million over the next two seasons ($5.5 mil in 2017). They have now shaved $63 million off their payroll after the departures of Beltran, McCann, Mark Teixeira, Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman.
$45 million will come off following the 2017 season when CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez come off the books, making their ability to bring in a top tier free agent or two very conceivable.
