The New York Yankees discussed soon-to-be free agent outfielder Shin-Soo Choo at their organizational meetings and have an interest in signing him, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Yankees interested in Shin-Soo Choo, per report
Numerous teams are rumored to be interested in Choo, with the Yankees placing themselves among them.
Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Another possible Yankees target: Yook Suk-Min
New York is soon to have an opening in the outfield with Curtis Granderson a free agent and Ichiro Suzuki and Vernon Wells both being subpar options for a full season. However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says that outfield is not the biggest priority for the team in the offseason.
Choo is reportedly looking for a big contract, but may be a safer choice over fellow free agent outfielders Granderson and Jacoby Ellsbury. At 31 years old, Choo is coming off perhaps the best season of his career. Over 154 games, he hit .285 with an outstanding .423 on-base percentage for the Cincinnati Reds. Though he does not have the best power or speed numbers, he is above-average in both and has had three 20/20 seasons, including in 2013.
Granderson is seen as the better power hitter, but Choo’s defense may make up for that difference. In addition, Choo has been less injury prone than Granderson and Ellsbury.
The Yankees also discussed other big name free agents, including fellow outfielder Carlos Beltran, who could be had on a shorter and less expensive deal. Also brought up were Braves catcher Brian McCann and Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka.
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