ANOTHER OUTFIELD CANDIDATE COMES OFF YANKEES’ BOARD

Another one bites the dust. Maybe.

The New York Yankees remain in the market for an outfielder after watching Andrew Benintendi sign a five-year, $75 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

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And with less than two weeks until spring training begins in Tampa, Fla., general manager Brian Cashman is running out of options.

The Athletic reports the Minnesota Twins seem inclined to hold on to Max Kepler for the time being.

Whereas it seemed like a strong possibility two months ago, the probability of the Twins trading Max Kepler has been significantly reduced. Even with a roster full of similar players, the Twins appear content to keep Kepler. … the desired interest hasn’t been there and with spring training two weeks away (and) indications are that the Twins plan to move forward with Kepler.

FanSided’s Robert Murray reported last week Kepler is a “prime buy-low candidate.”

One team that has shown interest in Kepler, according to sources: the New York Yankees, whose hitter-friendly ballpark could be exactly what he needs to bounce back.

The 29-year-old Kepler was an MVP candidate for the Twins in 2019, when he finished 20th in voting after setting career highs with 36 home runs and 90 RBI.

But last season, the outfielder hit .227 with nine home runs. According to Spotrac, Kepler is on the books this season for $8.5 million. His deal includes a team option for 2024 worth $10 million with a $1 million buyout.

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The Yankees also had been linked to Josh Harrison, but he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday.

Among the remaining outfield options for the Yankees on the free agent and trade markets are Jurickson Profar, David Peralta and Bryan Reynolds.

Yankees’ in-house candidates for left field include Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera. Cashman also recently signed Billy McKinney, Willie Calhoun and Rafael Ortega as outfield depth.

MORE MLB:

- Ex-Yankees pitcher destined for Red Sox bullpen?

- Angels’ Shohei Ohtani-Red Sox rumors explode after star signs new deal

- Ex-Yankees reliever was in demand before signing with AL East rival

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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected].

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2023-02-03T11:02:26Z dg43tfdfdgfd