After a disappointing 2022 campaign, the Yankees need to retool.
With the American League continuously getting better, and the gap between the Yankees and Astros seemingly growing larger every year, New York may have to employ a strategy they haven’t done in quite some time; spend in free agency.
And yea, the Yankees payroll has stayed around the $200 million mark for years but this offseason feels like the franchise is at a crossroads. While they wait for their up-and-coming prospects to make it to the big leagues and contribute on a regular basis, they have to shore up the holes in their lineup and in their pitching staff.
The Yankees have a lot of free agents who played somewhere else last season they can sign, but they also have to consider bringing many who have left the team in free agency back. Especially one presumptive MVP.
Here are the top 10 free agents who the Yankees should sign this offseason.
10. Kenley Jansen, RHP
While not the dominant closer of seasons past, Jansen still had a great year for the Atlanta Braves.
The 35-year-old was 41-of-48 in save opportunities in 2022 — second only to Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase’s 42 saves — while boasting a solid 3.38 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. His demeanor is perfectly suited for the pressure cooker of New York, and has plenty of postseason experience.
Jansen has converted 20-of-24 save opportunities in his postseason career with a minuscule .148 BAA.
With question marks surrounding Clay Holmes after a subpar second half, Jansen could be a perfect one-year contract pitcher. He can not only alleviate the pressures of saving games from Holmes but would give manager Aaron Boone another deadly arm in the bullpen.
Jansen has had some health issues in recent years, but if he’s healthy he can be the stud closer the Yankees needed in the postseason. Jansen is at the number 10 spot on this list because closer is not the team’s most pressing need. They can roll the dice with Holmes again or find some bullpen help at the trade deadline, but if they want to be legitimate, having that knockout closer for the ninth inning will do it and that’s what Jansen gives you.
9. Andrew Benintendi
Benintendi was the second-biggest name New York acquired at the…