The success of the New York Yankees was one of the biggest surprises in the MLB this season, and the team thinks they're only a piece or two away from being the World Series favorite going into next season. New York has been linked to several players via trade - namely Giancarlo Stanton - and want to save money in order to splurge on the stellar free agency class next winter, but still plan to sign a key free agent or two in the coming months. Here are three players they are targeting:
1) Shohei Otani, RHP/DH, Japan
Japanese star Shohei Otani is making the transition to the MLB this offseason and is one of the biggest prizes available. Scouts believe that the 23-year-old will be a star as either an everyday position player or as a pitcher. He is 41-15 with a 2.56 ERA in his career as a pitcher, but also has a .332/.403/.540 batting line with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 65 games this season despite being limited with foot injuries.
The Yankees are one of the teams that hold the biggest international allotments this offseason, meaning they can offer him as much money as anyone else. Expect them to do just that.
2) Alex Cobb, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
The New York Yankees do not know if pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will be back with the team next season since he can opt out of his contract, and with CC Sabathia set to hit the open market, there's a good chance the Yankees could be trying to sign a starting pitcher this offseason. Sonny Gray, Jordan Montgomery, and Luis Severino are known to be key cogs in New York's rotation next season, and they're hoping to add Alex Cobb to that group. New York likes that Cobb has experience in the AL East, has been successful in the division, and would be a good bargain for a mid-rotation guy.
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3) Eric Hosmer, 1B, Kansas City Royals
The Royals know they're likely not going to be able to afford to keep Hosmer, and the Yankees and Kansas City were reportedly in talks about a deal centered around him before the deadline. New York ultimately held off on acquiring a first baseman during the season, but it is an area they want to address this offseason. Hosmer figures to be the best player available at that position.
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