Yankees Linked To All-Star Slugger As Offseason Target To Boost Outfield

The New York Yankees need a little help in the lineup. 

New York had one of the worst offenses in baseball last season and improving it this offseason should be the club's top priority. The Yankees will look to improve the rotation as well, but improving the offense is a must. 

A position of need for the Yankees is in the outfield. New York could use at least one new outfielder but likely needs two. There are multiple players available in free agency and one player who could make sense is former Cincinnati Reds, Seattle Mariners, and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jesse Winker, according to SNY's Anthony McCarron. 

"Jesse Winker was an All-Star with Cincinnati in 2021 when he hit 24 homers with a .949 OPS," McCarron said. "He’s been on the Mariners and Brewers since and neither season went as well as he would’ve liked. In 61 games with Milwaukee last season, Winker, 30, had just one homer, batted .199, and missed loads of time due to injury.

"Still, he’s a lefty hitter who once had nifty potential. He’s got a .853 career OPS against right-handed pitching. He might sizzle in a big market, because he’s got a flair for attention – remember all his interactions with (New York Mets) fans when he played for the Reds? Maybe the Bronx fishbowl is exactly what he needs for a career resurgence."

Winker was an All-Star with the Reds in 2021 and is an intriguing bounce-back candidate. He struggled over the last two seasons but dealt with some injuries. If he's healthy, he could be a solid pickup on a cheap deal. He saw time in both left field and right field last year. If he could provide a boost in the lineup and defensive flexibility with upside, that would be a major plus for the Yankees.