TO CLOSE

There are many questions about the class of free agents that will follow the 2018 season, but it could be the largest free agency period in MLB history.
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Bryce Harper, left, and Manny Machado are just two of the many young stars who could become free agents after the 2018 season.(Photo: Rob Carr, Getty Images)

NEW YORK – The season of free agents has come and the Yankees have their internal candidates to deal with – as well as a wide range of available players that will be part of the 2018-19 market.

By bringing their payroll below the luxury tax threshold in 2018, the Yankees have redefined the penalties associated with exceeding the limit, which stands at $ 206 million in 2019.

"We are going to improve this club in every possible way," said general manager Brian Cashman after the Yankees' elimination from the AL division by future world champion Red Sox.

It begins with a full analysis of the free agent market, where the Yankees' ability to spend freely on a high-end impact and pitching bat should require surveillance all winter long.

Top internal candidates

October 5, 2018; Boston, MA, USA; New York Yankees pitcher J.A. Happ (34) throws the ball in the first run against the Boston Red Sox in the first game of ALDS at Fenway Park. (Photo: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

In his end-of-season speech, Cashman expressed hope to find left-handed J.A. Happ, who impressed in 11 starts (after being acquired by Toronto via the trade) before stumbling against Boston in the ALDS. But Happ, 36, may need a three-year contract.

Zach Britton's ability to find a job closer to home will have an impact on Yanks ability to keep left-handed. David Robertson represents himself and has expressed his desire to come back, but he could also find work elsewhere as a loved one.

Even if the Yanks failed to trigger Brett Gardner's $ 12.5 million option by Wednesday, there is a chance to find common ground on a new contract.

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CC Sabathia could come back on a one-year contract, but more pressing decisions could delay an agreement, opening the veteran southpaw to a wider field.

And with Didi Gregorius's short stop recovering from Tommy John's operation, second baseman, Neil Walker, and multi-purpose field player Adeiny Hechavarria are on the line.

Luxury items

(Photo: The associated press)

It's a class of two at Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, both 26 years old, but whose price tags of more than $ 300 million are not the only reasons to take a break.

The poor Machado World Series (4-for-22, no additional base) have ended a post-season where his scrambling failures and questionable character on the field – late-game slips, kicked in first strike – were on display at the national level.

But Cashman sued Machado before the Orioles traded him for the Dodgers. Gregorius' major injury is a blow to the formation and defense of the Yank's inner field.

As attractive as Machado's game might be, the Yanks could use Harper's left-handed bat to balance a heavy left-handed formation that has now lost Gregorius.

Harper has an average of 32 homers, 93 RBIs and 0.952 OPS per year in his last four All-Star seasons. Left field or first goal could be places in the Bronx.

Yet, as the main offensive presence in a championship-looking club, Harper's teams in Washington failed to make four trips to the NLDS and completely missed the playoffs in 2018.

Starting targets

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin launches the first run in a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, September 22, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo / Rick Scuteri) (Photo: The associated press)

Patrick Corbin is at the top of this list and the feeling seems to be reciprocal.

Last April, the leftist told Bob Nightengale of USA Today: "It would be great to play" in the Bronx. "I grew up as a fan of the Yankees (in upstate New York). My whole family is a fan of Yankees. ''

With his signature slider, Corbin, 29, has increased his prize with an average of € 3.15 in 200 innings this season for Arizona.

The markets for Nathan Eovaldi, fresh out of an impressive post-season, and the left-handed observer of Dallas Keuchel. And will Clayton Kershaw retire from both years, $ 65 million remaining on his contract with the Dodgers?

Strengthen the pen

Andrew Miller comes back to the market, with Cleveland closer and teammate Cody Allen. But lefty Miller did not have the bargaining power he had in the winter of 2014, when the Yanks signed him for a four-year contract.

The reunion with Robertson could be the only free game for the Yanks in this zone, and the Red Sox could continue Britton with Craig Kimbrel as an independent entry.

Infield Options

For his intense contact leftist bat and his ability to play both second and first base, ex-Met Daniel Murphy offers the Yankees an intriguing option on a pitch including Jed Lowrie, Asdrubal Cabrera and D.J. LeMahieu.

The ability of the Yanks to drag Gleyber Torres on the short stop provides a leeway allowing them to search for the second goal.

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