Many of the New York Yankees' top free agent targets in 2024 did not pan out as expected. The Bronx Bombers didn't end up with either Shohei Ohtani or Yoshinobu Yamamoto, which contradicts some offseason predictions from MLB experts heading into the winter.
However, there are still plenty of great players available, as well as the Yankees free agency rumors still circulating.
Free agents the Yankees should pursue
To their credit, the Yankees made trades for Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo to completely revamp their stadium. But maybe that won't be enough after a disappointing 2023 campaign. Let's take a look at some of the remaining available players who should be among the Yankees' free agent targets in 2024.
Tommy fam
By adding Soto and Verdugo, the Yankees should solve most of their off-field issues from last season. But there is still room for a player like Tommy Pham. Keep in mind that Soto, Verdugo and fourth baseman Trent Grisham are all left-handed hitters.
Pham would provide a right-handed bat to help balance New York's outfield, especially if Verdugo ends up a platoon partner in left field. Also, Pham is coming off a productive 2023 season, ultimately helping the Diamondbacks reach the World Series. There is a lot he could bring to the Yankees, even as a part-time player.
Jordan Montgomery
Based on the way he has performed since being traded, it's safe to say the Yankees regret parting ways with Jordan Montgomery. Fortunately, they have a chance to right that wrong by signing him as a free agent.
Montgomery was fantastic with the Cardinals and Rangers after being traded and went 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA in the playoffs last year. As a backup option after failing to sign Yamamoto, Montgomery would be an excellent addition to New York's rotation alongside Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Nestor Cortes.
Geo Urshela
Gio Urshela is another former Yankee who could be useful in the Bronx this season. Although he doesn't provide a ton of power, that's not a huge need after trading for Soto.
Instead, Urshela will bring great defense and some versatility to Yankee Stadium. He played mostly third base, allowing DJ LeMahieu to move to different positions. Urshela could play shortstop if youngsters Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza don't practice. Obviously he wouldn't be a huge addition, but Urshela would add value to the roster.
Jordan Hicks
The Yankees can't ignore their bullpen this season, making Jordan Hicks an obvious target. To be fair, the likes of Clay Holmes, Tommy Kahnle and Ian Hamilton form a competent trio late in games. But the Yankees will certainly need more depth if they plan to assemble one of the best bullpens in the major leagues.
Naturally, his injury history raises concern. However, Hicks avoided the IL in 2023 and pitched to a 3.29 ERA in 65 games, so perhaps his injury issues are behind him. Just as importantly, he is only 27 years old, has experience as a closer, and is one of the toughest pitchers in baseball. This makes Hicks an interesting investment opportunity for a team like the Yankees that has money to spend.
Blake Snell
Among pitchers, Blake Snell is the best available and the Yankees should target him if they are serious about improving their rotation. Snell's price is higher than Montgomery and some other rotation options that are still available. But pairing Snell with Cole at the top of the rotation would give the Yankees reigning Cy Young winners.
He could give the Yankees two outfielders, while taking some pressure off Rodon and Curtis. If the Yankees can land Snell after already adding Soto, they could have the best offseason of any team other than the Dodgers and reshape the AL East outlook heading into the 2024 season.
