MLB Rumors: Yankees Linked To Free Agent Left Fielder

The New York Yankees still haven't made that long-expected move for a left-fielder, but according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman, they are at least thinking about it. Heyman reports that "the Yankees have discussed signing free agent Jurickson Profar."

Profar is one of the last available starting-type outfielders on the market. The 30-year-old was an above-average hitter in the majors last season, starting in left field for the San Diego Padres for nearly 150 games, and posting an OPS+ of 111 (11% better than league-average). He added 15 HR and 58 RBIs, along with 82 runs and a .753 OPS. 

The once-versatile jack-of-all-trades has settled in in the last couple of years as strictly an outfielder, after his defense in the infield started to falter. 

The Yankees' current internal options for left field include Oswaldo Cabrera and Aaron Hicks. They tried to re-sign Andrew Benintendi, but were unwilling to go to five years on a contract, which is what he got from the Chicago White Sox. 

Heyman adds that Hal Steinbrenner And Co. are intent on staying under the “Steve Cohen tax”, which has a threshold of $293M. The Yanks are currently at about $290M.

David Peralta and Robbie Grossman are the other free agent candidates still on the market. 

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