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5 Realistic Options For New York Yankees During The Offseason

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The New York Yankees seem to enter each offseason attached to every big name set to hit the market. That isn’t realistic, not by a long shot. Sure, it would be epic to see a rotation of David Price, Jordan Zimmerman, Zack Greinke, Luis Severino and Jeff Samardzija. But this is the real world and the Yankees actually do have a budget. Nothing in the Yankees’ recent history suggests they will go crazy, especially with their top prospects on the verge of contributing on a full-time basis. Instead, the Yankees will enter the offseason looking to add a few small pieces, though we can’t discount a surprise big move. These are five most realistic options for the Yankees this offseason.

5. Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel Getty Images
The Yankees tried to pry Craig Kimbrel away from the San Diego Padres prior to the deadline. They were even willing to part with Jorge Mateo, their stud shortstop prospect, in order to get something done. It the Yankees add Kimbrel to Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, they'll have the best bullpen in the game. The bullpen isn't a priority, but this is one luxury the Yankees can afford. The Padres might be somewhat anxious to dump some salary this offseason, so there could be something there.

The Yankees tried to pry Craig Kimbrel away from the San Diego Padres prior to the deadline. They were even willing to part with Jorge Mateo, their stud shortstop prospect, in order to get something done. It the Yankees add Kimbrel to Justin Wilson, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller, they'll have the best bullpen in the game. The bullpen isn't a priority, but this is one luxury the Yankees can afford. The Padres might be somewhat anxious to dump some salary this offseason, so there could be something there.

4. Ryan Raburn

Ryan Raburn Getty Images
Ryan Raburn will turn 35 next April, but he is a viable option to replace Chris Young and could be looking for more playing time after a very solid season. Raburn is coming off of a season that he hit .301/.393/.543 including a .325/.415/.589 line against lefties. He plays both corner outfield spots, so he won't add much flexibility to the roster. Still, he could be an option for an affordable one-year deal after the Cleveland Indians declined his $3 million option. Re-signing Chris Young is also an option.

Ryan Raburn will turn 35 next April, but he is a viable option to replace Chris Young and could be looking for more playing time after a very solid season. Raburn is coming off of a season that he hit .301/.393/.543 including a .325/.415/.589 line against lefties. He plays both corner outfield spots, so he won't add much flexibility to the roster. Still, he could be an option for an affordable one-year deal after the Cleveland Indians declined his $3 million option. Re-signing Chris Young is also an option.

3. Hisashi Iwakuma

Hisashi Iwakuma Joe Nicholson- USA TODAY Sports
Iwakuma is attached to a qualifying offer, which means the Yankees would have to surrender a first round pick in order to sign him. The Yankees have been shying away from that option, but he did post a 3.54 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.06 WHIP and 7.7 K/9 ratio. He will be 35 next April, but the Yankees have had some success with older Japanese veterans lately. If Iwakuma didn't have the pick attached to him this would be a slam dunk. He's a steady veteran you can depend upon if he stays healthy, while avoiding a long-term commitment. Consider him a wild card at the moment.

Iwakuma is attached to a qualifying offer, which means the Yankees would have to surrender a first round pick in order to sign him. The Yankees have been shying away from that option, but he did post a 3.54 ERA (3.74 FIP), 1.06 WHIP and 7.7 K/9 ratio. He will be 35 next April, but the Yankees have had some success with older Japanese veterans lately. If Iwakuma didn't have the pick attached to him this would be a slam dunk. He's a steady veteran you can depend upon if he stays healthy, while avoiding a long-term commitment. Consider him a wild card at the moment.

2. Joakim Soria

Joakim Soria Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
If the Yankees don't make a trade for Kimbrel, they could potentially pursue Soria. They have been previously linked to him. Soria might want a bit more money than the Yankees are willing to pay for a reliever, but they could decide he is worth it and make the splash in the bullpen. He appeared in 72 games with the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates while posting a 2.53 ERA (3.71 FIP), 1.09 WHIP and 8.5 K/9 ratio. Spending big money in the bullpen is much different than spending it in the rotation or on position players. The Yankees could see the soon-to-be 32-year-old as a solid investment that allows them to keep prospects and picks.

If the Yankees don't make a trade for Kimbrel, they could potentially pursue Soria. They have been previously linked to him. Soria might want a bit more money than the Yankees are willing to pay for a reliever, but they could decide he is worth it and make the splash in the bullpen. He appeared in 72 games with the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates while posting a 2.53 ERA (3.71 FIP), 1.09 WHIP and 8.5 K/9 ratio. Spending big money in the bullpen is much different than spending it in the rotation or on position players. The Yankees could see the soon-to-be 32-year-old as a solid investment that allows them to keep prospects and picks.

1. Jason Heyward

Jason Heyward Getty Images
It is rare that a player of Heyward's age hits free agency. He will command a ton of money, more than he is realistically worth, because of the promise he may possess since he is just 26. His glove is arguably the best in baseball, but his offense will leave a lot to desire. Still, he is young enough to improve on his career .268/.353/.431 line. He did hit .293/.359/.439 this past season with 13 home runs and has hit 27 in a season (2012). Some team will pay for production that has not materialized and will either get their money's worth or find out they paid a lot for a good player who is great on defense.

It is rare that a player of Heyward's age hits free agency. He will command a ton of money, more than he is realistically worth, because of the promise he may possess since he is just 26. His glove is arguably the best in baseball, but his offense will leave a lot to desire. Still, he is young enough to improve on his career .268/.353/.431 line. He did hit .293/.359/.439 this past season with 13 home runs and has hit 27 in a season (2012). Some team will pay for production that has not materialized and will either get their money's worth or find out they paid a lot for a good player who is great on defense.

Christopher Gamble is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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