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New York Yankees: Six Hitters to Target in MLB Free Agency

By Nick Ziegler

Aug 1, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman speaks to reporters after the trade deadline prior to a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman speaks to reporters after the trade deadline prior to a game against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) hits a double during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Bautista

Jose Bautista didn’t have success right away in his major league career, but he has become a feared hitter with the Toronto Blue Jays. In all likelihood, Bautista will not be returning to the Blue Jays next season, and he makes for an interesting option in free agency.

Bautista is now 36-years-old and is coming off an injury-plagued season in 2016. In 116 games last season, Bautista totaled 22 home runs, 69 RBIs, a .236 batting average, and a .366 on-base percentage. Even though he has been a right fielder for most of his career, Bautista is going to be best-suited to be a designated hitter from here on out. He can certainly still play the field some, but whoever signs him won’t want him playing in the outfield a majority of the time.

With the Blue Jays reaching the playoffs the past two seasons, Bautista has shown that he has a knack for being a good hitter in the postseason. In 20 career playoff games, Bautista has totaled six home runs and 16 RBIs.

If the Yankees do target Bautista, they should tread carefully. A 36-year-old hitter coming off an injury-plagued season is something that they should be concerned about.

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