Yankees Rumors: Team Checks In On Brian Dozier

New York Yankees Rumors: The Yankees have reportedly checked in on Minnesota Twins’ second baseman Brian Dozier.

New York Yankees rumors have been coming in hot as the MLB Winter Meetings began today. The Winter Meetings are a whirlwind for MLB teams as it gives them a chance to bring deals together in a quick matter. The Andrew McCutchen sweepstakes will undoubtedly be a hot topic if discussion, but another player to keep an eye on is Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins.

The slugging second baseman smashed 42 home runs last season with 99 RBI. He slashed .268/.340/.546 and would be an upgrade for plenty of teams. The Twins have made no secret that they are willing to talk trade about Dozier, but would have to be blown away by a deal.

One of the teams to keep an eye on is the Yankees. According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Yankees have checked in on the Twins’ second baseman. Their interest is unknown at this time, but they have at least checked in on him.

The Yankees would not be alone in their pursuit of Dozier. While the asking price will be high, there should be a number of teams that would line up to acquire him. The Los Angeles Dodgers could be the team leading that list.

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The Dodgers have a big hole at second base. They traded away Howie Kendrick to the Philadelphia Phillies and Chase Utley is a free agent. That leaves only Charlie Culberson and Enrique Hernandez as options at second base. An upgrade is needed and the Dodgers have expressed interest in Dozier in recent weeks.

The Yankees interest in him makes less sense. While he would be an upgrade over Starlin Castro, Castro was more than serviceable for the Yankees last season. He hit a career-high 21 home runs with 70 RBI, slashing .270/.300/.433. Those are not numbers you would usually see a team attempt and upgrade over, but the Yankees have never been shy about going after impact players.

Dozier also wouldn’t hurt their salary cap or flexibility. While he would cost a lot in terms of a trade package, his salary wouldn’t be a burden. He is owed only $15 million over the next two seasons; a number even the smallest of small market teams could stomach.

Could the Yankees be looking at Dozier as a possible upgrade at third base? The Yankees are reportedly willing to trade Chase Headley. It won’t be a surprise if that market is cold, but maybe the Yankees could move him to the bench. He could help backup at third base and first base and upgrade a Yankees bench that is currently lacking.

The Yankees could then try Castro over at third base. It would be a lot to ask a player to make a position switch for the second time in as many years, but if the Yankees believe he could handle it, it is something they could consider.

There is no doubt that Dozier would be an upgrade for the Yankees. Just fitting him into the lineup would not be an easy task as the roster is currently situated. Does he present that much of an upgrade over Castro that the Yankees would want to shuffle around their infield alignment?

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Also, would the Yankees be willing to fork over the type of prospects the Twins would be looking for? There is no doubt that the Twins will be asking for a haul in return for their 2015 All-Star.

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