Cubs Rumors: New York Yankees maintain interest in Kyle Schwarber

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Chicago Cubs: Where would Schwarber fit into the Yankees lineup?

As Rosenthal points out, the Yankees could very well head into 2020 with just two left-handed bats on their 26-man roster (it’s going to take some time to get used to writing that, boy). Schwarber would obviously address such an issue, but there are plenty of obstacles to a deal making sense.

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New York has not shied away from adding firepower in recent years. They already boast Aaron Judge (under team control through 2022) and Giancarlo Stanton (controlled through 2027). Stanton, at this point, rarely plays the field, instead filling the DH role when he’s healthy enough to play – which makes fitting Schwarber, who, to many, profiles as a designated hitter challenging, to say the least.

In theory, he could play left field – but that seems like an unlikely solution, as well. The Yankees seem poised to head into the spring with Mike Tauchman and Clint Frazier splitting time in left, as Aaron Hicks works his way back from injury. I can’t see New York coming off Tauchman given he’s one of the two aforementioned left-handed bats they have on the roster.

Frazier has long seemed like a trade chip. I’d be pretty surprised if he was with the team in Florida come February. But I thought the same thing at the deadline last year and here we are. The only other alternative would be Schwarber changing positions – maybe playing first base?

It’s not as unreasonable as it sounds. Remember, he used to catch and has thrown himself into becoming a suitable defensive outfielder following his return from knee surgery. Still, that’s a huge gamble for the Yankees – despite the offensive prowess Schwarber boasts.

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