Yankees Rumors: New York Interested in Chris Carter
By Nick Ziegler
Recent New York Yankees rumors have been about their reported interest in right-handed slugger Chris Carter.
With spring training getting close, recent Yankees rumors have been about them looking to add a big bat. Overall, the Yankees have had a fairly quiet offseason. The signings of Matt Holliday and Aroldis Chapman were the two big moves made by the organization.
As the franchise continues to grow their young talent, they have kept an eye on veterans that they think can help them win. Even though the Yankees signed Holliday, there is still a need for some power to come from the right side of the plate.
According to Jerry Crasnick, the Yankees are keeping close tabs on slugger Chris Carter.
The #Yankees are keeping tabs on Chris Carter and have had discussions with his rep, Dave Stewart, sources say.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 7, 2017
Last season, Carter was the co-leader in the National League in home runs with 41. Despite being one of the best power hitters in baseball last season, he hasn’t drawn a ton of interest as a free agent.
While Carter’s power numbers are great, that is really all he brings to the table. With the Milwaukee Brewers last season, Carter totaled a .222 batting average and .321 on-base percentage. Even though the on-base percentage was low, that was a new career-high for Carter.
As a power-hitter Carter’s strikeout numbers are alarming. In 160 games last season, Carter totaled 206 strikeouts.
As a first baseman, Carter would provide the Yankees with some insurance at the position. Greg Bird is assumed to be the starter going into the 2017 season. However, he is coming off of shoulder surgery. His backup is also another young player named Tyler Austin. In 2016, Austin did get some playing time at the major league level. However, he might not be ready.
Next: Who are the 5 greatest catchers in Yankees history?
The price tag will, of course, be big for the Yankees. They have shown little desire to spend a lot of money, and that won’t change for Carter. Carter would likely want a chance to be a starter in 2017, and it doesn’t appear like he would have that chance with the Yankees.