10 Former Yankees without jobs heading into Spring Training
Consistently one of the most talented teams in the baseball, the New York Yankees have top-end talent coming and going every season. And it seems that "was good enough to be on the Yankees' roster" is often a box teams like to have checked with their free-agent additions.
But with Spring Training arriving and Opening Day just around the corner, we have an unusually high number of former Yankees remaining unsigned in free agency. Not all of them were Yankees in 2023, but all were Yaknees recently enough that fans have some genuine interest in where they wind up.
Here are 10 Yankees still unemployed as the 2024 season draws near.
Jordan Montgomery - Starting Pitcher
This past season was a tough look for Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office as the pitcher they thought wouldn't perform in the postseason was a catalyst for the Texas Rangers' run to a World Series title. The team's swap of Montgomery for Harrison Bader did not turn out as planned with Bader's injuries continuing through 2023.
Montgomery isn't without a job due to his talent but, more so due to his asking price in Free Agency. Like Blake Snell, Montgomery is a Scott Boras client waiting for a team to offer him the long-term contract he desires.
Coming off of his best season in the majors, Montgomery will sign a contract prior to Opening Day the question, however, is with whom. The Yankees have shown interest in Blake Snell meaning the team could look to Montgomery if the rotation suffers a loss in Spring Training or if his asking price drops.
Gio Urshela - Infield
When the Yankees decided to add Josh Donaldson the team parted ways with a fan favorite in Gio Urshela. The third baseman was solid in his time in New York with a .292 batting average with 41 home runs and 153 RBIs over three solid seasons in New York. In addition to his contributions at the plate, Urshela's defense was an instant upgrade for the team over the struggling Miguel Andujar.
The trade didn't work out for either team with Urshela eventually headed to Los Angeles to play for the Angels. In his time in Anaheim Urshela hit .299 with two home runs and 24 RBIs playing only 62 games due to injuries.
The team has had conversations about a reunion with Urshela throughout the offseason yet, to no avail. If the Yankees are able to land Urshela on a minor league deal the veteran could serve a role similar to Isiah Kiner-Falefa last season serving as insurance should any of the infielders suffer an injury.