According to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News, right fielder Bobby Abreu wants at least a three-year contract as he heads toward free agency for the first time in his career.
Abreu prefers to remain with the Yankees, but he does not want a one-year deal. He certainly wouldn’t have to settle for that on the open market. The general consensus is that the Yanks will offer Abreu arbitration and be content with compensatory draft picks if and when he turns it down.
Abreu, 34, hit .296/.371/.471 in 684 plate appearances this year. The average AL right fielder hit .282/.351/.459. Abreu’s defense rates poorly; he cost the Yankees 24 bases (16 plays) compared to the average right fielder this year. Franklin Gutierrez led right fielders by saving 29 bases above average.
Speculative possible suitors for Abreu this winter: the Rays, Royals, Braves, Mets, Cubs, and Reds.
