Could the Yankees Acquire Ryan Howard This Offseason?

Could the Yankees be players for aging Phillies' First Baseman Ryan Howard this offseason? Star Ledger baseball columnist Matt Lombardo says yes. 

According to Lombardo, who admits throughout his piece that Philadelphia just cutting Howard this winter is the most likely scenario, the Yankees could bring in Howard due to his experience and potential at the plate. Last December, the team signed a couple of notable veterans in Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran to respective contracts worth $17 million and $15 million annually, making the notion they'll do something similar with Howard not that far-fetched. 

Also, considering Howard hit .223 with 23 home runs and 95 RBIs this season (Beltran hit .233 with 15 homers and 49 RBI in 166 less at-bats; was on pace to hit 21 shots had he reached Howard's total) in one considered a failure by many it seems likely somebody of his caliber would be a minor improvement over what the club has now. Still, since the majority of the $60 million left on his deal would have to be paid by New York if they were to acquire him it's probable that they won't even bother, as spending all of that cash for slightly more production just doesn't appear worthwhile.

Read the rest of Lombardo's article here, in which he additionally lists the Mariners, Rangers, and A's as possible suitors for Howard.