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New York Yankees’ Top 5 Offseason Needs

New York Yankees' Top 5 Offseason Needs

Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
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The New York Yankees were an utter disappointment during the 2014 MLB season, as they finished with an 84-78 record, which was good enough for a second straight season without postseason baseball. The Yankees' biggest needs clearly reside in their lineup, as they finished 20th in MLB in runs scored and batting average. Keeping this weak lineup in mind, here are the five absolute biggest needs the Yankees face this offseason.

5. Top End Starting Pitcher

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5. Top End Starting Pitcher

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The Yankees' rotation wasn't bad in 2014, but they face uncertainty heading into 2015, as Masahiro Tanaka, Ivan Nova and C.C. Sabathia all face serious injury questions, and Hiroki Kuroda is likely retiring. Under the Yankees' way this void clearly calls for a big name starter to come walking through the doors, and Max Scherzer, James Shields and Jon Lester will all be available as free agents this offseason.

4. Fourth Outfielder

Ichiro Suzuki New York Yankees
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4. Fourth Outfielder

Ichiro Suzuki New York Yankees
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The Yankees are set in left and centerfield with Brett Gardner and Jacoby Ellsbury, but they still must get a fourth outfielder to contend with the fact that Carlos Beltran likely won't play more than 100 games in right field. Ichiro Suzuki could fulfill this role, or they could bring back a veteran guy such as Chris Young that is need of a career revitalization.

3. Late Inning Reliever

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3. Late Inning Reliever

New York Yankees offseason
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The jury is out on whether or not David Robertson will return, and whether or not he will be the closer if he does come back. With a return looking 50/50 at best, the Yankees will have to look at surrounding youngster Dellin Betances with a veteran bullpen arm or two.

2. Corner Infielder

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2. Corner Infielder

Chase Headley new york yankees
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Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira are currently slotted in as the Yankees' first and third baseman, which is a scary scenario for the team's trainers and fans. For the sake of both players health, the Yankees need to get at least one reliable corner infielder, with the return of Chase Headley serving as the most ideal scenario.

1. Shortstop

Derek Jeter New York Yankees
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1. Shortstop

Derek Jeter New York Yankees
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How do you replace a man with more than 3,500 career hits and five World Series titles? That is the million question that New York Yankees must answer this offseason. Amongst the potential free agent options are Hanley Ramirez, Asdrubal Cabrera and J.J. Hardy, although Troy Tulowitzki will linger as an enticing trade option.

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