The New York Yankees need upgrades in the outfield and it sounds like they are looking around in free agency.

New York has been linked to superstars like Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger or San Diego Padres slugger Juan Soto but there are other players out there who also could help the Yankees. One player New York reportedly has looked into is former Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

“The Yankees have questions and it isn’t impossible they could sign both (Cody Bellinger) and (Juan Soto),” Heyman said. “However, they are also looking at former Korea MVP Jung Hoo Lee or even Kevin Kiermaier for center. The (Chicago Cubs) are a possibility but are looking at (Shohei Ohtani) first and could go with defensive-minded Pete Crow-Armstrong in center. The (San Francisco Giants) are eying Ohtani, too, but Bellinger is a natural fit.”

Kiermaier certainly would be less expensive than either Bellinger or Soto. If the Yankees could land Kiermaier in free agency, it could give the club the spending flexibility needed to land one of the bigger stars as well. 

The 33-year-old would be a very solid addition to New York. He is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner in center field — including in 2023 with Toronto — and had a strong offensive season last year. Kiermaier finished the 2023 season with eight home runs, 36 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, and a .265/.322/.419. It wouldn’t be too surprising to see him wearing pinstripes when the 2024 season rolls