Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees were unable to reach the playoffs in 2013 and as expected, they strengthened their team through the free agent market. Players like Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Brian McCann will all be regular fixtures at the Yankee Stadium but with all these arrivals, some players will also have to leave.
The outfield the most crowded area for the Yankees is right now. Ellsbury and Beltran figure to be starters. Alfonso Soriano can spend time either at left field or as the DH, and Brett Gardner will also remain despite all the rumors around him. Therefore, it seems like the odd man out in this situation is Ichiro Suzuki, and the Yankees would be wise to part ways with the the veteran.
The former Seattle Mariners star is clearly not the player he once was, and he’s destined for a bench role with the Yankees. However, he could still prove to be valuable to other organizations. New York should take advantage of this to shop the former MVP. While they won’t be able to get much return for him, it’s better than nothing.
It is known that the Yankees don’t have a very good farm system, and trading Suzuki for maybe one or two fringe prospects could help their cause. The Arizona Diamondbacks are rumored to be interested in the outfielder if he’s made available, so the speculation can already begin.
One thing is for certain: Ichiro doesn’t deserve to be stashed in a bench role, and the Yankees should try to make a move if they can some young players in return.
Juan Pablo Aravena is a sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jparavenarant or add him to your network on Google
