By Jordan Long
The New York Yankees made a move this past weekend and agreed to a contract with free agent outfielder Matt Holliday. The deal is for one year, worth $13 million.
Holliday has played 13 MLB seasons with three different teams, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, and Oakland Athletics. The Yankees signed him because of what he does at the plate. Holliday can get on base, drive in runs, and hit the long ball. He is a career .303 hitter with 295 home runs while driving in 1,153 RBI’s.
His offensive numbers are decent but where is he going to play on this team? Holliday can play left field but the Yankees already have a left fielder in Brett Gardner. The Yankees wouldn’t have him play the other positions in the outfield everyday because those are already filled. Jacoby Ellsebury is in center and 24-year-old Aaron Judge expects to get the nod in right field.
Holliday appeared at first base last season for the Cardinals. It lasted ten games. The Yankees don’t need a first baseman since Tyler Austin will be covering first base. Holliday has also been a designated hitter and the Yankees have an opening since Billy Butler is a free agent.
Holliday might be the backup in the outfield. If Aaron Judge struggles he may see some time in the outfield. Holliday could play first base. The only other first baseman the Yankees have is Greg Bird. Bird missed all of last season with shoulder surgery. The Yankees won’t know how healthy Bird is until spring training. Holliday can also be the designated hitter.
For Matt Holliday the Yankees weren’t the team he should have signed with if he wants to play baseball. They already have a full lineup and he will only be a backup. Other teams would have made him a starting outfielder or first baseman. Holiday is only going to the Yankees because of the money. Hopefully it works out for him.
What do you think of Matt Holliday agreeing to a deal with the New York Yankees?
Thanks Brian for seeing my mistake. I appreciate it and happy reading.