Yankees: Options for a lighter 2020 outfield

Mike Tauchman

If the Yankees don’t bring up Florial or re-sign Gardner there is only one option in center to start the season, Mike Tauchman. While not ideal on the surface, the 29-year-old earned his pinstripes last season. He along with Gio Urshela, Mike Ford, and Cameron Maybin were the improbable position-player saviors of the 2019 campaign,

Tauchman was solid in last season, slashing .277/.361/.504 in 87 games, along with 13 home runs and 47 RBI. When the Bronx Bombers were decimated by injuries, he always seemed to come through with timely hits and/or home runs when his team needed them most. If Tauchman does work out, the New York Yankees have an opportunity to keep Florial in the minors so he can continue to develop, waiting until he’s surely ready.

Tauchman also spent time on the 2018 Yankees injured list with a calf injury. It may be smart to go after another centerfielder in free agency, to stabilize the position and avoid possibly bringing Florial up too early.

Rightfield is locked up, and will never be taken from Aaron Judge. So if Tauchman gets edged out in center by a free agent or Florial, he can still start in left. Giancarlo Stanton is slated to be the Bombers designated hitter. With the strong depth of offensive talent on the rest of the roster, the New York Yankees outfield can’t count on Stanton not playing in the field.