The New York Yankees lost first baseman Greg Bird for the 2016 season, which hurts them now and for the future. They claim he was going to spend most, if not all season in AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but realistically he was going to play with Mark Teixeira being injury-prone. General manager Brian Cashman says a move is not in the works, but here are some players who could fill the backup first baseman void left by Bird.
10. Pedro Alvarez
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsAlvarez is one of the only remaining first baseman left in free agency, leaving the Yankees with very few options. He has some power, 27 home runs and 77 RBIs in 2015, but is a horror in the field. He led MLB with 23 errors last season, leaving whoever signs him to hope the ball isn't hit to him. If Teixeira stays healthy, having Alvarez only appear in the field every so often, would be a huge win for the Yankees.
9. Juan Uribe
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Uribe will most likely land a deal with Cleveland to play third base full-time. Why would he want to back up and lose out on some money? He did like it in New York, with the Mets, and would probably like to win another World Series before hanging up the cleats. He only has four games at the position, but would give the Yankees some veteran presence, a solid glove and the flexibility to spell Chase Headley off third base. Plus he is very well liked in the locker room.
8. Justin Morneau
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY SportsMorneau is one of the bigger names left on the free agent market. He won the batting title in the National League in 2014, but missed most of last season with a concussion. He's a long way removed from his MVP award in 2006, but would provide the Yankees with a good glove and solid bat behind Teixeira. At 34 years old, Morneau isn't looking for a long-term deal, probably just something to prove he can still play. His left-handed swing is ideal for Yankee Stadium.
7. Casey McGehee
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsLike Uribe, McGehee would give the Yankees some flexibility at first base and third base. He could even play second base in a pinch, but first base is the bigger issue. McGehee doesn't make a ton of errors, so they could trust him out there. Though, it would be his third team since the beginning of 2015, and he may be looking for a starting gig somewhere.
6. Corey Hart
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsHart hasn't played anywhere near a full season since 2012, something that should concern the Yankees since Teixeira hasn't done it since 2011. He had some power a few years ago, hitting 30 home runs in 2012, along with good averages. He's also a good fielder and could pop into the outfield in an emergency. Hart is just 33 years old, and could use a situation like this to get back into a full-time spot next season.
5. Alex Rodriguez
Brad Penner-USA TODAY SportsThe Yankees do have a few players on the roster who could play first base in emergencies. A-Rod is one of them. He has just over nine innings under his belt at the position, with one error. Rodriguez was once a smooth fielder, but injuries and allegations forced him into a full-time DH role. He wouldn't be a permanent fix if Teixeira was to get hurt, but could allow for another player to spend some time at DH. He did look a little smoother during the regular season than he did in spring training, but would need another spring to properly learn the position.
4. David Freese
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY SportsFreese is the only former World Series and NLCS MVP on this list. His insane 2011 postseason left him with unrealistic expectations, causing St. Louis to trade him to Los Angeles after 2013. He has played nine games at first base, all without an error. Since he is just 32 years old, he probably isn't looking for a part-time job playing a different position, but it could pave the way for 2017. Like Uribe and McGehee, Freese can play third base, his true position, giving Chase Headley some time off. Also, imagine having a World Series MVP coming off the bench in a close game during a clutch spot. Freese was born for those moments, if nothing else.
3. Nick Swisher
Jason Getz-USA TODAY SportsEveryone likes a comeback story. How about bringing Swisher back to the Yankees? He hasn't been nearly the force he once was since he left for Cleveland in 2013. Every offensive category has gone down since then, leaving him with the lowly Atlanta Braves. He was actually brought in before Teixeira to play first base for New York, but was moved the outfield to make room. Swisher is familiar with New York, is loved by his teammates and fans alike and would love to come back. He never truly wanted to leave, and rejuvenated his career while with the Yankees. Being a switch hitter, he benefits in Yankee Stadium, especially when he bats lefty.
2. Jesus Montero
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsSpeaking of comeback stories, how about one with the Yankees' former top prospect? He hasn't panned out in the majors, but could use another change of scenery. Montero wouldn't come back to catch, it would be to play first base, where he spent 27 games last season. The Yankees and Mariners are trading partners, and with Seattle growing tired of his antics, a move is very possible. If something did happen to Brian McCann, Montero could fill in as the third catcher, behind another Yankees catching prospect, Gary Sanchez.
1. Ryan Howard
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY SportsThis list is called "10 crazy possibilities" for a reason. He is owed $23 million this season and has a team option for 2017. The Phillies are in a rebuilding mode and the Yankees can take advantage. Howard isn't the same player who tormented teams from 2006-09, but can still drive the ball far. His left-handed swing is ideal for Yankee Stadium, and a change in scenery would be good for him. Both sides would like to part ways peacefully, so trading him to New York would be a fair sendoff. The Yankees would get a former MVP and World Series champion, to keep Teixeira fresh. The Phillies would free up some money and could get a solid prospect in return.
