Yankee Backup Battle

Heading into the final 10 days of camp, the Yankees have yet to decide on a fifth outfielder/1st baseman. Mike Tauchman (above) has filled that role for the last two years -- quite capably in 2019, when the former Rockies prospect hit .277 and showed surprising power, while impressing on defense. But 2020 was a different story, a 60-game struggle that left GM Brian Cashman open to different options.

In steps Jay Bruce. The 13-year veteran is coming off three unproductive seasons after a decade as a capable power hitter with the Reds and Mets. He's looked like his younger self in Grapefruit League play so far, smacking a pair of home runs and presenting the Yanks with a real dilemma. Believing his 2020 numbers were the result of playing while hurt, is the soon-to-be 34 year old the kind of savvy veteran who fits in well as an extra man on a contender? Can the Yankees or any team expect this Florida renaissance to continue through October? 

Because if Bruce makes the Yankees roster, it means in all likelihood they'll lose Tauchman, who is out of minor league options. Four years younger and better with a glove, the Yanks liked his tools and upside when they added him two years ago. But 2019 was the only time Tauchman played at that level in the majors. Crystal balls don't come with guarantees. On a club with notoriously brittle outfielders, Cashman has to choose one or the other -- knowing that whichever player sticks, he'll have to plug them into the lineup or use them as a lefty bat off the bench late in games.

That decision that is no more than a week away with Bruce holding a March 25th on his deal with the Yankees. And while his numbers are better in exhibition games, which of this pair is the better bet once the games begin to count.