SteemSports Presenter: @bbleehehh9
SteemSports Editor: @theprophet0
Not since the days that legendary right-hander Mike Mussina graced the mound at Yankee Stadium have the Yankees had a Moose in their midst. That all could change soon.
Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported on Tuesday that the Yankees have had “occasional contact” in recent days with the representatives for free agent third baseman Mike Moustakas.
Moustakas has been a major victim of the slow free agent market this winter. Somehow, after slugging a Royals’ franchise record 38 homers in 2017, the 29-year-old slugger remains in the unemployment line as spring camps open throughout Arizona and Florida.
Everything seemingly came together for Moustakas in 2017, slashing .272/.314/.521 with 38 bombs and 85 RBI.
While a match between the two sides still looks to be a long shot, nothing has been ruled out yet. His sweet left-handed swing would certainly play exceptionally well with the short right field porch in New York.
The main hiccup to a potential union is the Yankees’ desire to remain under the luxury tax threshold. In order to afford Moustakas, the club would likely need to shed the contract of outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury. To date, they haven’t had much interest via trade, and Ellsbury owns a full no-trade clause which makes it even more difficult.
With spring training beginning this week, there’s always a chance that Moustakas gives up hope of landing a lucrative multi-year contract this winter and looks to instead sign a one-year “pillow contract” where he can build up his value again and hit the free agent market again after the 2018 season. If that’s the case, there isn’t a better landing spot for him then the friendly confines of Yankee Stadium. It would also be a tremendous boon to his fantasy value, both in terms of the massive ballpark upgrade and the improved surrounding cast.
The Yankees also are unlikely to be interested in a long-term deal, as they have 22-year-old prospect Miguel Andujar waiting in the wings, who is expected to be ready to man the hot corner as soon as this season.
It’ll be interesting to follow how this all plays out, but expect things to really start picking up in the free agent market over the next week as players begin arriving for spring training.
He would be a monster in Yankee stadium. Strikes out a lot but has a plus glove despite what people say. He is smooth and plays solid defense.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yeah, especially on a one-year deal to give Andujar more time to develop. Starting to look more and more like a decent match. Just need to find someone to take on Ellsbury
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I like Moose, I am a huge Royals fan. He is kind of a red-ass but is a great club house guy. I am actually surprised the Royals haven't made a push to get him on like a 4 year for 80 with a 2 year opt out. He is only going to get cheaper as it gets closer to the season starting, and hitting 38 home runs for for the Royals is impressive.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I Don't know if i see a long-term commitment from the Royals, but it wouldn't surprise me at all to see them bring back Moustakas and/or Hosmer if the market continues to drag
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Royals are a tough case. They are terrible a drafting at the top of the draft. They are really good in the middle to low rounds. As it stands right now, they will field the worst team in baseball next year. They best position player is Whit Merrifield, great story and a decent ball player but not going to win you many games. They almost have to do something to sustain some level of success. They also need to have some value as their historically terrible TV deal is about to expire and they need not be terrible when that hits.
I think you have to give one or both long terms with opt outs so if they have big years, they can go find greener pastures.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
With Hosmer officially off the board now, the Royals have to be considered the favorites to land Moustakas
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I was surprised that the Padre’s got the deal done. Lot of years for a guy whose numbers are not that great and his defense is over rated. But that is me being a hater because my team didn’t get the deal done.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit