Do the Yankees need to replace Greg Bird?

Pitchers and catchers haven't even reported for spring training yet, and already the New York Yankees are dealing with their first major injury of the season.

First baseman Greg Bird, who hit an impressive .261/.343/.529 with 11 homers and 31 RBIs in 46 games after Mark Teixeira succumbed to injury, will miss the entire 2016 campaign due to a torn right shoulder labrum.

New York suddenly has depth issues should injury-prone players such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Beltran, or Teixeira hit the disabled list at some point.

Here are four options general manager Brian Cashman could consider to fill the void left by the devastating injury.

Juan Uribe

The New York Post's Joel Sherman suggests the veteran could be very useful for the Yankees. Adding Uribe, who is being courted by the Cleveland Indians but a deal has yet to be finalized, would give the club insurance behind Chase Headley at third base, and Uribe can play second in a pinch. Freeing up Headley to sub in at first base should Teixeira go down during the season also benefits the team. Money isn't an issue for New York, and signing the 36-year-old to a one-year deal shouldn't break the bank, affording the club the luxury of being able to add resources elsewhere throughout the season. - Greg Warren

2015 STATS - 3 TEAMS

Pedro Alvarez

Signing Alvarez, who blasted 27 homers last year, would certainly make up for Bird's production, but the former Pittsburgh Pirate is a huge defensive liability. Additionally, the first baseman is likely seeking an opportunity to play every day in order to build his value, and that's not what Cashman is looking for.

"I would expect that we'll look at anybody interested in coming in on a minor-league contract and interested in being an insurance policy," Cashman said about replacing Bird.

Alvarez is also a client of Scott Boras, who is known as a fierce negotiator that notches top value for the players he represents, so the chances of Alvarez inking a minor-league pact with New York are slim to none. - GW

2015 STATS

Internal options

Though the loss of Bird is a disappointing development for a promising young player, it doesn't drastically alter the team's immediate plans at the major-league level come Opening Day. Bird was slated to start the season in Triple-A, making his loss only a true concern should oft-injured slugger Teixeira go down as he did towards the end of last season. Dustin Ackley could provide relief at first base on a day-to-day basis, or as mentioned previously, Headley could slide across the diamond in order to give Teixeira a day off. Brian McCann even spent 10 games at first base last season. - Brandon Wile

Justin Morneau

Injuries have taken away Justin Morneau's ability to be an everyday player and his lingering health issues led the Colorado Rockies to decline his $9-million option for next season. The 34-year-old could be available even after spring training opens and Cashman could decide to take a low-risk flyer on the four-time All-Star should he feel his club would be better served with the additional depth as insurance for Teixeira, who hasn't played more than 130 games since 2011. Morneau is a career .433/.507/.883 hitter at the new Yankee Stadium, with seven home runs in 16 games, though he last played there in 2013. - BW

2015 STATS