The New York Yankees are looking to free agency to find a veteran starting-caliber third baseman, and with Mike Moustakas still available on the open market, the team has had conversations about signing him this week, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.
The Yankees do like Mike Moustakas, and a big left-handed bat would be nice, and they did speak about him this week. But it is difficult to see how they could fit Moustakas onto their payroll while also wanting to get a starting pitcher and leave a little extra room for summer spending.
New York is hoping to stay below the luxury tax threshold ($197 million) this season in anticipation of spending big on a loaded free agency class next offseason, and they have roughly $24 million still available under that threshold.
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The Yankees have been trying to trade Jacoby Ellsbury to clear even more space, but there hasn't been much interest in Ellsbury, who has $68 million left on his contract over the next three years. The San Francisco Giants were one of the handful of teams interested in him, but they are no longer interested after signing outfielder Austin Jackson.
They aren't expected to be able to offer Moustakas the kind of contract he is seeking, but they are hoping his asking price is dropping with spring training fast approaching.
New York is also interested in re-signing Todd Frazier and is willing to offer him a one-year deal worth between $10 million and $12 million.
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The Yankees currently has vacant starting positions at both second and third base, and they have explored making trades or signings to fill both needs. They have since cooled on those pursuits and have had “minimal” contact with free-agent infielders because of their confidence in top prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar at the positions.
However, they would like to have a veteran at third to serve as a bridge and stabilizing force for another year before going to Andujar full time.
Moustakas hit .272 with 38 home runs and 85 RBIs in 148 games this season.
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