**New York Yankees Explore Right-Handed Hitting Alternatives Beyond Free-Agent Matt Olson**
As the New York Yankees continue to build their roster for the 2024 season, they find themselves exploring several options to improve their lineup, particularly on the right side of the plate. The team’s struggles against left-handed pitchers in recent seasons have been well-documented, prompting general manager Brian Cashman and the front office to turn their attention toward bolstering their right-handed hitting depth. With free-agent slugger Matt Olson reportedly on their radar, the Yankees are also casting a wide net for alternatives that could provide the balance they need, without breaking the bank or tying themselves to a long-term commitment.
### **The Search for a Right-Handed Power Bat**
The Yankees’ offensive woes against left-handed pitching have been a notable weakness. While their lineup is filled with power hitters like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, both of whom can hit for both average and power, the team has had trouble maintaining consistency when faced with southpaws. In response to this, Cashman and his team are said to be exploring several alternatives that could inject the offense with right-handed power to help balance their potent left-handed heavy lineup.
Matt Olson, currently one of the top free-agent first basemen, has been a prime target for the Yankees. His power bat, which includes 40+ home runs and elite on-base skills, has made him an attractive target. However, recent reports suggest that the Yankees are not solely focused on Olson, but instead are considering several right-handed hitters who could potentially address their needs.
### **Alternative Targets**
1. **Paul Goldschmidt (St. Louis Cardinals)**
Although Goldschmidt is in the latter stages of his career, the former MVP still offers one of the most reliable bats in Major League Baseball. As a right-handed hitter, Goldschmidt provides consistent power to all fields, especially in clutch situations. His ability to get on base, combined with his power numbers, could make him an ideal candidate to slot into the heart of the Yankees’ order. While his age may raise questions about his long-term viability, the Yankees could explore a trade for Goldschmidt, particularly if they feel they can make a short-term push for the postseason.
2. **Josh Bell (Cleveland Guardians)**
Bell has quietly been one of the more underrated right-handed hitters in the league in recent years. With the ability to hit for both power and average, Bell would provide the Yankees with a versatile bat who can also handle first base and designated hitter duties. His left-handed bat was always a plus, but his career resurgence with Cleveland has highlighted his ability to handle the right-handed side of the plate effectively. Bell could come at a more affordable cost than Olson, especially given his market value.
3. **Matt Chapman (Toronto Blue Jays)**
While primarily known for his elite defense at third base, Matt Chapman’s right-handed power bat would be a huge addition to the Yankees’ lineup. Chapman has consistently hit 30+ home runs in seasons where he’s been healthy, and his ability to drive the ball out of the park against left-handed pitchers is particularly appealing. A right-handed bat at third base would allow the Yankees to potentially shift DJ LeMahieu to second or shortstop while providing them with power from the hot corner.
4. **Willson Contreras (St. Louis Cardinals)**
Contreras, a right-handed hitting catcher, would add an additional layer of versatility to the Yankees’ lineup. While he’s primarily a catcher, his ability to DH and play in the outfield gives manager Aaron Boone flexibility when managing the lineup. Contreras’ ability to hit for power and get on base is something the Yankees would covet, and adding him would provide the Yankees with a consistent bat to balance the top of their order
5. **J.D. Martinez (Free Agent)**
Although nearing the end of his career, J.D. Martinez remains one of the best right-handed hitters available on the free-agent market. His power numbers, particularly his ability to mash left-handed pitching, have made him one of the most feared designated hitters in the game. While Martinez does not provide the defensive versatility some of the other options might, his bat could fit nicely in a Yankees lineup looking for consistent right-handed pop.
### **Evaluating the Need**
The Yankees’ lineup currently features a significant number of left-handed hitters. Judge, Stanton, Anthony Rizzo, and others make up a large portion of the team’s offensive core. While the left-handed presence is valuable in terms of power, it creates a natural imbalance when facing southpaw pitchers, especially in critical games. The addition of a consistent right-handed bat would provide the Yankees with a more well-rounded attack and make their lineup tougher to navigate for opposing pitchers.
Moreover, the Yankees are known for their aggressive front office moves, and Cashman’s history of making impactful trades shows that they are likely to pursue a player who not only fits their short-term needs but also their long-term strategy. Whether through free agency or trade, the Yankees are committed to making improvements to their roster and could explore multiple avenues in their quest to land the perfect right-handed hitter.
### **Financial Considerations**
While the Yankees are known for their willingness to spend, there is always the question of financial flexibility. The team’s luxury tax threshold and their ongoing negotiations for extensions with players like Judge and others may limit the scope of their pursuit of big-ticket free agents. This could lead them to target less expensive alternatives or explore trade options where they can move existing contracts to make room for the new addition.
In the case of Olson, the cost might be high, both in terms of the contract and the potential trade cost. This would force the Yankees to evaluate whether pursuing a player like Olson is worth the commitment or if they could get a similar production level from another player who is either less expensive or more versatile in other areas of the game.
### **Conclusion**
As the Yankees continue to explore their options for adding a right-handed power bat, the search for alternatives to Matt Olson underscores the team’s desire to create a more balanced and formidable lineup. With several potential targets available, the Yankees are sure to make a splash as they work to bolster their roster for 2024. Whether through free agency or trade, the addition of a consistent right-handed hitter could be just what the team needs to push t
hem into championship contention once again.