The New York Yankees' 2015 MLB Playoffs appearance lasted all of one game, leaving an air of unfinished business around the franchise. Once the Hot Stove League kicks into full gears this winter, New York will be extremely busy looking to upgrade their team for a World Series run next year. Here's the 3 biggest offseason needs the team will look to address.
3. Corner Outfielder
This comes with speculation that the Yankees could move either Brett Gardner or Carlos Beltran via trade. If New York can offload one or both of those contract, New York will shift into the free agent market for impact corner outfielders. The biggest name that makes sense for the Yankees? Jason Heyward. Heyward is already an elite defensive outfielder at 26 years old and will command the type of huge long-term contract that only NY and a couple other teams will be able to afford. Don't be surprised if he slots to the top of New York's priority list this offseason.
2. Second Baseman
Stephen Drew is not the answer. He'll likely never be the answer again. Drew hit just .201 in 123 games, and while he did contribute 17 home runs and 44 RBI, his 4/5 of a bust hitting stroke right now is a complete detriment to a potent lineup. The team doesn't seem to be convinced that Rob Refsnyder is ready, especially with the limited pop he's shown in 433 minor league games (33 HR). Dustin Ackley is a maybe at second, but don't be surprised when the Yankees are connected to any and every middle infielder under the sun this offseason.
1. Starting Pitching
GM Brian Cashman needs to use the Yankees' two main free-agent recruiting weapons to his advantage this offseason; $$$$$$$ and marketability/tradition. Cashman needs to both sell the tradition of the Yankees and use oodles and oodles of dollars to net one (or more) of these top-tier free-agent pitchers this winter; David Price, Jordan Zimmermann and Johnny Cueto. New York needs front of the rotation help. It's not going to come without a (major) cost.
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