Yankees Rumors: Bryan Reynolds, Michael Conforto, Max Kepler Could Be Outfield Options

The New York Yankees are still looking to make the first significant addition to their lineup for the 2023 MLB season. A few players have been linked to the Yankees in the latest rumors as the top free agents continue to come off the board.

New York is reportedly looking for help in the outfield. Michael Conforto is arguably the best outfielder available in free agency. Bryan Reynolds and Max Kepler are viewed as possible trade targets for the Yankees.

After missing all of the 2022 season because of shoulder surgery and hitting .232 in the 2021 season, Conforto could be an affordable option for the Yankees. New York spent $520 million on Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon in free agency.

During his seven seasons with the New York Mets, Conforto hit .255/.356/.468 and averaged 28 home runs for every 162 games. Conforto was an All-MLB Second Team selection in 2020 and hit a career-high 33 home runs in 2019. The 29-year-old's left-handed swing could make him an ideal fit for Yankee Stadium, and he's proven that he can have success in the Big Apple.

The Yankees could try to trade for an outfielder. Bryan Reynolds has requested a trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York has reportedly shown interest in the 2021 All-Star. It remains to be seen if the Yankees are willing to meet the Pirates' asking price.

Reynolds is hitting .281/.361/.481 with 74 home runs in 493 career games. Pittsburgh isn't expected to trade Reynolds unless it gets a valuable offer in return.

Kepler might be a more realistic trade target for the Yankees. The Minnesota Twins outfielder has reportedly been drawing trade interest since the team signed Joey Gallo, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman.

A veteran who has a career .232 batting average and a .317 on-base percentage, Kepler wouldn't cost the Yankees nearly what it would take to acquire Reynolds. Kepler had one standout season when he hit 36 home runs in 2019.

Speculation regarding Kepler has grown as free-agent outfielders have found landing spots. The Yankees lost out on Andrew Benintendi to the Chicago White Sox. Michael Brantley re-signed with the Houston Astros.

If the Yankees don't make a move, Aaron Hicks and Oswaldo Cabrera are expected to get the majority of time playing left field for New York next season.