MLB hot stove: Yankees consider extending Didi Gregorius, Aaron Hicks, Dellin Betances?

by Felix Pantaleon

Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius, center fielder Aaron Hicks and reliever Dellin Betances aren’t far from free agency. Here’s what general manager Brian Cashman said about possibly extending their contracts, via a report.

While Yankees general manager Brian Cashman looks for ways to import talent this offseason, his front office has been discussing whether to keep a few of its stars around for a bit longer.

Cashman said his staff has discussed whether it’s time to offer contract extensions to shortstop Didi Gregorius, center fielder Aaron Hicks and reliever Dellin Betances, according to a report from MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

All three players are slated to become free agents after the 2019 season.

Cashman was speaking in Manhattan at a charity event at which he’d be sleeping in the street to raise money for the The Covenant House, which helps the homeless.

From Hoch:

Brian Cashman said that the #Yankees have internally discussed long-term deals for arbitration eligible players like Dellin Betances, Didi Gregorius & Aaron Hicks.

“Have we kicked it around in a very small scale way in the offices? Like, it’s now or never? Yeah, we have.”

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) November 16, 2018

The Yankees would have a hard time replacing each Gregorius, Betances and Hicks.

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Gregorius, who will miss at least the first half of the season thanks to Tommy John surgery on his right arm, has provided stability at shortstop since Derek Jeter retired in 2014.

Betances attended four All-Star games in his first five full seasons in the majors, and had a bit bounce-back 2018, once again establishing himself as the bullpen’s most dependable arm.

And Hicks had his finest season as a professional in 2018, combining his switch-hitting prowess and his excellent defense for a mostly healthy full season.

Both Gregorius and Hicks earned American League MVP votes.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.