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According to ESPN's Buster Olney (Insider), the Yankees have repeatedly asked about Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. From Olney's piece it seems like the St. Louis Cardinals are further along in talks with the Indians for Cabrera, but the Yankees have arguably an equal level of need for a player with Cabrera's capabilities. With the uncertainty that surrounds Alex Rodriguez's return and the fact that Derek Jeter, if even healthy, will need plenty of time at DH instead of in the field, a move for Cabrera would be filling an important hole in the lineup.
In 68 games for the Indians this season, Cabrera has a .251/.312/.421 batting line with seven home runs and five stolen bases. His 103 wRC+ is the worst mark since he posted a wRC+ of 88 back in 2010. Neither Fangraphs nor Baseball-Reference loves his defense this year, but B-Ref has been kinder to it in recent years than Fangraphs has. The Yankees have been lacking a little bit defensively at those positions anyway, so as long as the bat is there people will live with the defense.
In addition to shortstop and third base, Cabrera has also played some second base, so the Yankees could also slot him in as Robinson Cano's replacement in the field when he needs a half-day or the rare full day off. He's played only 1.1 innings at the hot corner, so if the team had ideas of using him as a potential A-Rod replacement, whether he is suspended for Biogenesis involvement or just needs a lot of time at DH, there would likely be a bit of a learning curve there.
At 27 years old, Cabrera is set to make $10 million next year and would be a free agent following the 2014 season. That being the case, emptying the farm for him wouldn't be necessary, but the Indians would likely require a top prospect in return for one of their better hitters. Who do you think the Yankees should be willing to give up for Cabrera, if anyone? Is the switch-hitting shortstop worth what it would take up to get him?
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