SAN DIEGO — The Yankees checked off the biggest box on their offseason list by re-signing Aaron Judge to a mammoth nine-year, $360 million contract, pending a physical.
But that doesn’t mean their work is done.
They continue to look to upgrade their starting rotation, add a left fielder and bullpen arms. Here’s a look at what they could do next as the Winter Meetings conclude:
More outfield help
Having Judge back in right field — and in the lineup — is the most important part of the offseason for the Yankees, but they still have a gaping hole in left field. Aaron Hicks is expected to be recovered from the leg injury he suffered during the postseason, but he is no longer an option to be an everyday player. General manager Brian Cashman said he wants to bring back Andrew Benintendi, whom the Yankees traded for in July. Benintendi ended up being sidelined by a fractured hamate bone and wasn’t able to return for the playoffs. He’s expected to be healthy, but the impact of the injury could linger into next season. Regardless, the Yankees will have plenty of competition for the veteran lefty-swinger.
Another option became available Wednesday, as Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida was posted by the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.
The 29-year-old has until Jan. 5 to sign with a Major League team. He had a .447 on-base percentage this past season.
“He’s as legit as they come,” former MLB OF Joe McCarthy who played in Japan, told The Post’s Joel Sherman. “He didn’t slump for five months. He can go gap to gap. He just constantly barrels-up pitches.
Michael Conforto is also a free agent after missing last season with a shoulder injury.
What will the Yankees do next after re-signing Aaron Judge? Follow the New York Post’s live coverage of the 2022 MLB Winter Meetings for all the latest rumors and news.
Add to the rotation
Carlos Rodon is the best pitcher left on the free agent market and the Yankees are intrigued by the 30-year-old lefty that’s had his best seasons the last two years. But it’s unclear if the Yankees will be willing to dig that deep for him now that they’ve given Judge a huge deal. The Yankees weren’t interested in a reunion with Jameson Taillon, who agreed to a deal with the Cubs on Tuesday. Jose Quintana, considered another option, agreed to a deal with the Mets on Wednesday.
Bullpen arms
The Yankees agreed to a two-year deal to bring back right-hander Tommy Kahnle, but they still have to make up for the loss of the injured Scott Effross, as well as Zack Britton, Chad Green and Aroldis Chapman, all free agents.
