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Yankees overlooked as potential suitor for .727 OPS free agent catcher
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- Yankees overlooked as potential suitor for .727 OPS free agent catcher
Yankees overlooked as potential suitor for .727 OPS free agent catcher originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Many roster adjustments could be coming to the New York Yankees .
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After two straight years with mostly the same roster, the Yankees could be looking to shake things up.
New York started last year with two left-handed-hitting catchers, Austin Wells and J.C. Escarra. By midseason, Ali Sanchez was the backup. However, he offered little on offense.
Given that Austin Wells had a 19 wRC+ against left-handed pitching last year, the Yankees should probably target a right-handed-hitting catcher.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden left the Yankees off a list of potential teams that may be a suitable fit for free agent catcher Tyler Stephenson.
"Stephenson hit .241 last year with 14 homers for the Reds in 411 at-bats. The 2015 first-round pick hits the ball hard and doesn't chase, but does strike out a lot," Bowden wrote.
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"He's known as a strong pitch blocker behind the plate, but struggles to control the running game."
Bowden listed the Chicago Cubs , Cincinati Reds, Texas Rangers , and Los Angeles Angels as the best team fits for Stephenson.
MORE: Dodgers announcer calls for MLB to make major change after Rays' Yandy Diaz check swing controversy
Curiously, the Yankees were not listed as a fit for Stephenson. He hits from the right side and can handle his own behind the plate.
Carson Kelly could leave the Cubs in free agency, leaving a potential opening in Chicago.
But based on New York's needs, having interest in someone with Stephenson's profile makes too much sense.
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