GLENDALE, AZ – MARCH 19: Seiya Suzuki #51 of Japan is seen during the exhibition game between Japan and Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch on March 19, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Masterpress/Getty Images)
The Yankees have interest in Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki, but they aren’t alone. Suzuki has interest in a handful of teams across MLB.
Per the Boston Sports Journal’s Sean McAdams, the Yankees have been among the most aggressive teams for Suzuki. That doesn’t guarantee them a spot at the final table, however. They’re one of several contenders — including fellow AL East rivals Toronto and Boston — which intend to pursue the 27-year-old.
“I can’t speak to even that,” Brian Cashman told reporters on Sunday night, per NJ.com. “If he comes over here, it would be a major-league situation. So I can’t speak to that.”
Due to the lockout, teams and front offices across baseball aren’t allowed to comment on free agents. Without a CBA, Cashman nor any general manager in baseball will let on about their interest in Suzuki.
Yankees rumors: Does Seiya Suzuki fit in New York?
The Yankees’ outfield is in flux. Aaron Hicks’ status is up in the air, and he’s coming off injury. Aaron Judge is likely receive a huge contract extension at some point, and Joey Gallo could be traded. Brett Gardner isn’t walking through that door (yet).
Suzuki is expected to receive a multi-year offer worth upwards of $10 million per season. He has just three weeks post-lockout to decide on a new home.
Per some insiders, the Red Sox are favored to sign Suzuki over New York. Boston needs an outfielder even after trading for Jackie Bradley Jr.
The Texas Rangers — who have already spent a ton of money this offseason — and the Atlanta Braves are two other teams that have maintained consistent interest in Suzuki. The Braves could use the outfield depth, especially with Ronald Acuña’s injury and Marcell Ozuna’s off-field concerns.