Report: Yankees in touch with 4-time All-Star Brantley

The New York Yankees have been in touch with free-agent outfielder Michael Brantley, Buster Olney of ESPN reports.

While the Yankees are reportedly seeking more left-handed hitting, Brantley is seen as a potential backup plan if they can't re-sign infielder DJ LeMahieu, Olney notes. It's doubtful that New York can sign both players.

The Yankees already have a crowded outfield even after losing Brett Gardner to free agency with Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Clint Frazier, and Mike Tauchman all under contract for 2021. Primary designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton also remains on the roster, but he isn't expected to get many - if any - reps in the outfield.

Brantley, 33, spent the last two seasons with the Houston Astros after 10 years with the Cleveland Indians. He hit .309/.370/.497 with 27 home runs in 194 games over his tenure with the Astros.