If the Yankees want to effectively build an offense around Aaron Judge and ideally avoid a postseason bashing like the last one, the batting order will have to change drastically. However, owner Hal Steinbrenner’s goal of bringing the annual salary below $300 million complicates matters. This greatly limits what general manager Brian Cashman can do.
Yet at least the Yankees did that spoke with Kyle Tucker. If they want to make an impact this offseason, New York will have to get creative. Considering the financial constraints, here are three cheap infielders the Yankees should consider.
1B/2B/3B
On Friday, news surfaced that Sung-mun, who has skills similar to Hyeseong Kim’s, is posted by the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO of South Korea. He was elected last season best hitter in the KBO, hit .315/.387/.530 with 26 home runs. His speed also played a role for the Heroes, as he captured 25 bases in 27 attempts. This comes after a season in which he stole 21 bases in as many attempts.
Sung-mun rose to prominence last year when he hit a .340 batting average, a statistic that should have the Yankees’ attention. And with his left-handed bat at Yankee Stadium, he could have surprising power, although that will depend on how he adapts to Major League pitching. He will likely sign a contract close to Kim’s three-year deal worth $12.5 million.
2B/3B/OF Brendan Donovan
Donovan may not be the powerful, lefty Yankee fan he dreams of, but he is a Swiss Army Knife in almost every other aspect. Currently with the St. Louis Cardinals, Donovan has been a versatile, one-time Gold Glove utility man. At the plate he is a high-contact hitter, rarely smelling or lashing out, a skill set that could work to offset the Yankees’ current bat-to-ball problem.
Last season, Donovan hit .287/.353/.422 with 10 home runs. If the Yankees were to trade for him, he would likely spend most of his time at second base, leaving Jazz Chisholm Jr. would go to shortstop. It is estimated that he earns $5.75 million in arbitration next year, according to Spotrac.
1B/3B Kazuma Okamoto
With contract estimates to more than $60 million For four years, the newly drafted Okamoto will undoubtedly be the most expensive player on this list. However, it has transformative potential that makes this price tag an attractive bargain. Okamoto led Japan’s NPB in home runs three times and won a total of three Gold Gloves at both corners of the infield, offering power potential and defensive stability.
Last season, Okamoto hit .327/.417/.598 (1.014 OPS) with 15 home runs during an injury-shortened season with the Yomiuri Giants. For the Yankees, Okamoto could platoon with Rice at first and McMahon at third — if he doesn’t get the starting job. Given his ability to hit for contact and power, there’s a good chance he’ll become an everyday player.
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