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The Yankees are on a spending spree in the dollar aisle today. Brian Roberts and Matt Thornton have been signed for a total of $5.5 million for the 2014 season (though Thornton is signed through 2015). They want to sign a right-handed bat to play the the infield, and it looks like Mark Reynolds could be the favorite, however, they are also interested in Jeff Baker.
The 32-year-old right-handed batter has a career .267/.321/.440 batting line over nine seasons. While he might be a slightly below-average hitter overall, he absolutely clubs left-handed pitching (128 wRC+). Right now, Alfonso Soriano and Francisco Cervelli represent the only right-handed hitters in the lineup, though they do have switch-hitters in Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira, and Roberts. If Alex Rodriguez is suspended and Derek Jeter is injured, the Yankees will be pretty susceptible against southpaws. Jeff Baker would be a great way to counter that.
He can play first, second, third, and the corner outfield positions, though none of them well, but he does add versatility. The Yankees will need someone to play behind Teixeira and he will be able to platoon at either third or second with Kelly Johnson and Brian Roberts.
Baker made around $1.7 million last season, so a max of $2 million could be all that's needed. He is recovering from a sports hernia, but he should be fine for next season.
