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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 18, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) hits a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Indians in game four of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Edwin Encarnacion

One of the best hitters available this offseason is Edwin Encarnacion of the Toronto Blue Jays. Like Beltran, the Yankees have already expressed interest in Encarnacion, and he would instantly be a difference maker in the lineup.

Last season, Encarnacion was third in the majors with 42 home runs behind Mark Trumbo and Nelson Cruz. Encarnacion has been a run-producing machine the past five seasons, as he has totaled 100 RBIs or more in four of the last five seasons.

The addition of Encarnacion would give the Yankees their designated hitter for the next few seasons, and also weaken the Blue Jays in their division. Encarnacion did play in 75 games at first base for the Blue Jays last season, as like other options he would provide Joe Girardi with a player capable of playing in the field on a limited basis.

At 33-years-old, the real dilemma with Encarnacion is how many years he will want on his contract. After a few great seasons, he will surely be seeking a multi-year deal, and that is something that the Yankees might not want to do with a player who is basically only a designated hitter. Seeing Encarnacion in pinstripes instead of hurting the Yankees would certainly be a welcomed sight in the Bronx.

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