The New York Yankees could be in the market for a big arm in the offseason with doubt surrounding most of their starting rotation. The free agent market will have a lot of big names on it as the list continues to grow with the winter approaching. While the Yankees might not be wanting to over spend on players, the temptation will be there as Zack Greinke joins the free agent list.
According to ESPN.com, Greinke is opting out of the three years of his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and will become a free agent. This was expected to happen as everyone knew Greinke had the option to earn a lot more money than he is getting now. The ace still had three years and $71 million remaining on his deal signed back in 2012. Considering his numbers over the past few seasons, Greinke is looking for a major pay day, but will it come from the New York Yankees?
According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN, the Yankees would like another big arm, but they do not want to over spend. That attitude will leave them out of the running for Greinke and it could take away the interest in David Price or Johnny Cueto as well. All three pitchers will want a pay day and the Yankees are concerned about raising their already-inflated pay role. However, they could really use the numbers that Greinke has put up. ESPN believes that both Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova could be out in 2016. Masahiro Tanaka is not healthy. CC Sabathia entered a rehab facility as question marks remain over his status. Luis Severino might be their best arm going forward. Spending on Greinke is not a bad idea.
The Yankees have been eyeing several moves to improve the roster. According to the New York Post, a trade for Matt Harvey is not out of the question while Daniel Murphy could become their top target. The New York Mets' infielder had a breakout postseason which did a lot for his value entering free agency. Wallace Matthews of ESPN believes Murphy is the idea fit for the Yankees, but the cost of getting him could be too much. Right now, Dustin Ackley and Rob Refsnyder represent the in-house options as second base. Murphy is the upgrade, but the contract demands could take away interest.
Matthews writes that the Yankees were burned on several contracts which makes them not want to spend on Murphy. Chase Headley is the perfect example. Considering the hitter's age, the Yankees could easily pass on the temptation and settle for smaller contracts in the upcoming season.
