The New York Yankees have been looking for a new manager since they mutually agreed to part ways with Joe Girardi following their exit in the ALCS, and the rumor mill has been churning ever since. We have the latest on their managerial search as well as some free agent targets. Here are all the latest rumors you need to know:
Jerry Hairston Jr. talks his candidacy for Yankees manager
Hairston emerged as a serious candidate to be New York's next manager last week despite not having any managerial or coaching experience in his past. However, he indirectly confirmed speculation linking him to the position, according to WFAN's Sweeny Murti.
Hairston hinted at his candidacy without actually confirming it to me, saying “I might be making some trips back east now that the World Series is over.” But I came away thinking that in today’s game he is certainly what many teams are now looking for in a manager — a strong communicator with a strong base in analytics.
Hairston also addressed concerns about his lack of experience.
“I was a coach when I was a player,” Hairston said of his 16-year career. “I was thinking along with my manager and the other manager every day."
Shohei Otani is New York's No. 1 target
Of the Yankees several offseason targets, the biggest is Japanese sensation Shoehi Otani, who we think is New York's top priority this offseason. Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues agrees.
Otani’s appeal is obvious. He’s young and he has a chance to not only contribute on both sides of the ball, but be an impact player both on the mound and at the plate. The consensus is Otani has more potential as a pitcher, but at this point, it makes sense to see whether he can hit and pitch. There is so much value to be gained. And if you have to pull the plug as a hitter or pitcher at some point, so be it.
The Yankees scouted Otani during the season (duh) and they’re expected to pursue him aggressively this offseason — Joel Sherman recently reported “they plan to push as hard as possible” to land Otani — which makes perfect sense. They have a fun up-and-coming team and Otani would fit right in with the exciting young core. He’s five months younger than Luis Severino! Of course this guy should be their No. 1 offseason target.
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.
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Yankees among four teams vying for Mike Moustakas in free agency
A possible trade for Giancarlo Stanton has dominated headlines in New York, but the team is also interested in adding another bat via Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. He is one of the best free agents available this offseason, and the Yankees are one of four teams are really vying for his services, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
One scout insisted Moustakas would hit 45 homers playing half of his games at Fenway, but the Red Sox don't have a need for him unless they want Rafael Devers to DH. Plenty of teams need a third baseman, and the Mets, Angels, Yankees, and Giants could be among his suitors.
New York was looking for an upgrade over Chase Headley at the trade deadline before ultimately deciding to keep him. However, it's clear Headley won't stop their pursuit of Moustakas.
Moustakas hit .272 with 38 home runs and 85 RBIs in 148 games this season.
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