The New York Yankees could possibly lose designated hitter/outfielder Raul Ibanez in free agency.
The Phillies are apparently one of the few teams interested in picking up Ibanez, according to Ken Rosenthal. Along with the Phillies, the Mariners and Rangers are interested in Ibanez.
The Phillies are the only National League club on that list, which is a bit of a surprise. A reunion with Ibanez would receive a mixed response from the fans, seeing as they don’t need another aging left-handed hitting corner position bat.
Last season with the Yankees, Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs. His .761 OPS was well below his career average of .810, which he hasn’t reached in the last three seasons.
Ibanez made $3 million last year with New York.
Ibanez would be a nice option off the bench, and could start in a platoon role. But the Phillies won’t be willing to spend near $3 million the Yankees paid him last year, especially if they didn’t want to pay the $1.3 million owed to Schierholtz.
Speaking of Schierholtz, the Yankees are interested in his services reported Bryan Hoch of MLB.com
TTB 