Yankees Rumors: Edwin Encarnacion A Free Agent Target

New York Yankees Rumors: With the trade of Brian McCann, the Yankees are setting their sights on the best available free agent hitters such as Edwin Encarnacion.

New York Yankees rumors are really picking up. One of the rumors already came to fruition, as catcher Brian McCann was traded to the Houston Astros on Wednesday. That continues the recent Yankees trend of moving veterans for a chance to add some talent to the farm system. But, it also opens up a spot on the major league team.

With McCann on his way to Houston, the Yankees are now in the market for a designated hitter. McCann was expected to fill that role while backing up Gary Sanchez behind the plate. With McCann now out of the picture, the Yankees are armed with some more money and a spot in the lineup. Could we see the Yankees get into the free agent foray for a top hitter?

You better believe it. With their new found cash and the need for a DH arising, the Yankees have contacted virtually every hitter at the top of the free agent market. They have already been linked to Carlos Beltran, whom they traded to the Texas Rangers prior to the MLB Trade Deadline this past summer.

It was also reported that the Yankees have called free agent Yoenis Cespedes, most recently of the cross-town rival New York Mets.

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Now, the Yankees are connected to another power hitter for the middle of the lineup. According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, sources say the Yankees are now looking at Edwin Encarnacion to fill the void.

Encarnacion would be a huge signing for the Yankees. He would require a huge commitment in terms of years and money, but that is not something that will deter them. They saved $11.5 million in each season remaining on McCann’s contract according to Heyman and are looking to reallocate that in free agency.

Encarnacion would represent a pretty sizable improvement over McCann. Last season Encarnacion launched 42 home runs with 127 RBI en route to his third consecutive All-Star game. The 42 home runs were third in the majors last season, while the 127 were tied for second most.

McCann hit 20 home runs with 58 RBI. Those are respectable numbers, but nowhere near the level that Encarnacion produces. Encarnacion would give the Yankees quite a pairing in the middle of their lineup alongside with Sanchez.

Encarnacion would also help the Yankees cover at first base. Mark Teixeira announced that he was retiring, and Greg Bird is returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out all of 2016. While he isn’t a great fielder, he would give the Yankees some insurance in case complications arise with Bird again.

If Encarnacion proves to be too expense, do not be surprised to see the Yankees make more moves to open up payroll. They have said they are willing to trade third baseman Chase Headley, which would open up even more money.

The Yankees have shown that they are building for the future, but not at the expense of more immediate seasons. Their interest in players such as Encarnacion and Beltran is all you need to know that the Yankees are not rolling over and just hoping they get lucky with a couple prospects. They intend to be competitive throughout the rebuild by complementing the youngster with very productive veterans.

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