Yankees Greg Bird Out 6-8 Weeks

The 2018 Yankees were supposed to be an unbreakable team, a locomotive with its sights set squarely on hoisting up the World Series trophy at the end of October. That might still happen -- the regular season begins Thursday, but it will begin with a dark cloud hanging over the team.

First baseman Greg Bird will miss 6-8 weeks after he undergoes ankle surgery to remove a bone spur.  The Yankees might be forced to use a platoon of Neil Waker and Tyler Austin at first base. Keep in mind the team doesn't have Todd Fraizer anymore, who signed with the Mets -- otherwise he would have been an ideal replacement.

This is hard news for the Yankees who had visions of a lineup that featured Bird in the middle of a 21st Century version of Murderers Row alongside Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregarious. Instead Bird is out for two months -- which at this point means the Yankees may night see him until June at the latest; late may at the earliest.

The injury has to raise the question of whether Bird will ever become a full-time player in this powerful Yankee lineup. He missed the 2016 season after having a torn labrum repaired in his right shoulder. Last year he missed most of the season after he fouled off a ball onto his right ankle.

If Bird suffers a setback, or is unable to produce when he returns what can the Yankees do?

There might be a couple of options, but it would be costly.

Freddie Freeman is 28-years old and is in the middle of an eight-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are still rebuilding, and who knows they could move Freeman's contract if they feel can get some prospects for him. The Yankees are loaded with prospects. If the Braves wanted to contact anyone about Freeman, the Yankees would be an option. Keep in mind Freeman has about $88 million left on his deal -- it would require Brian Cashman to get take on some of that money onto the Yankees salary cap -- and we know the Yankees have an aversion to getting the payroll over $200 million.

Still Freeman is a power bat and left handed. He could be a plus if the Yankees need a first baseman to challenge for the postseason.

Eric Hosmer is another name. But he just signed a 8-year $144 million deal. So the chances the Yankees will give up the farm to acquire that contract is highly unlikely.

However, they could inquire about Hosmer's old teammate, Mike Moustakas, who has a one-year deal with Kansas City. The Yankees and Moustakas did talk during the off-season about a possible deal, but never came to terms.