The Yankees are open to bringing free agent Didi Gregorius back, but his market could be approaching a level the Bombers don't want to go to.
Gregorius "seems likely" to get a multiyear deal worth roughly $14 million or $15 million, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported on Monday, adding that the Reds could potentially be priced out at that number.
As far as the Yankees, SNY's Andy Martino noted that he can't see them bringing Gregorius back at the number Heyman reported.
"We've been staying in touch with their agents," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said last week about Gregorius and Brett Gardner, according to the YES Network. "Obviously in free agency they've got a lot of considerations clearly and opportunities, but certainly if I could wave the magic wand, we'd love to have everybody back if possible. But if not, it's my job to line up alternatives, whether it's fallback to what we have or adjust and try something new."
On Nov. 15, Cashman made it clear that the Yankees wanted to retain Gardner. But he did not speak in the same terms regarding Gregorius.
Asked if a return of Gregorius was "less likely" or "more likely," Cashman wouldn't divulge.
"I can't tell you 'less likely, more likely,' he said. "I can just tell you Didi was a great player for us. He's a free agent now, so there's gonna be competition for his services. We will continue to engage and see if it leads to continuing a relationship or not. But up to this point we've been very fortunate and happy to have him as a member of our franchise. Maybe we'll be able to say that for a couple of years as well -- or not -- but that remains to be seen. I can't predict."
Martino reported earlier this offseason that the Yanks weren't expected to aggressively pursue Gregorius.