3 Affordable Free Agents Yankees Should Still Sign

The New York Yankees swung for the fences in free agency, and they were rewarded for their aggressiveness by landing the biggest name on the market in ace Gerrit Cole. The Bombers might have Cole locked up for nine years, but the departures of the likes of Didi Gregorius, Austin Romine, and Dellin Betances show that Aaron Boone's roster still needs a some fine-tuning before Spring Training. These three free agents won't break the bank, and could be valuable additions to the Yankees over the course of 2020.

3. RHP Tommy Hunter

Philadelphia Phillies reliever Tommy Hunter / Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

Like the departed Betances, Tommy Hunter was severely hampered by injury last season. However, the number of relievers on the market with his combination of experience and production still available is minimal. Hunter posted a 3.80 ERA in 2018, and had just one season with an ERA over 4.00 from 2013 onward. The Yankees will likely take a committee approach to fill in their final bullpen spots, and Hunter could be another experienced, flamethrowing option in the Yankee pen.

2. UTIL Ben Zobrist

Chicago Cubs utility player Ben Zobrist / Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images

The Yankees are still a generally young team, and Ben Zobrist is the ultimate veteran glue guy. While his 2019 never got off the ground due to personal issues, Zobrist can still provide above-average defense at basically every position on the field, and will hit for a high enough average to keep warranting playing time off the bench in relief of any number of star players. Provided Joe Maddon doesn't throw him a lifeline with the Angels and he has the motivation to suit up in 2020, Zobrist could be the ultimate bench player on a Yankees squad ready to contend.

1. C Robinson Chirinos

Houston Astros catcher Robinson Chirinos / Win McNamee/Getty Images

This one makes the most sense. The Yankees are currently operating with Kyle Higashioka, who offers nothing offensively, as their backup catcher behind Gary Sanchez. The 35-year-old Robinson Chirinos slammed 17 home runs as the featured catcher on an Astros team that won the American League last year, providing excellent defense at the same time and establishing excellent chemistry with Gerrit Cole -- the ace has a 2.46 ERA in games Chirinos caught. He'll give you defense and power off the bench, so why isn't he a Yankee already? Make the call, Cashman.