MLB News & Trade Rumors: After Derek Jeter, Yankees Wants Max Scherzer? [Rumors]

After the New York Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year, they are setting their sights on a marquee player that can possibly replace star shortstop Derek Jeter, who officially retired after a 20-year career.

Bleacher Report wrote that the Yankees may be looking at Max Scherzer who recently entered free agent market. Although he is not as popular as other free agents, Scherzer was the 2013 Cy Young Award winner and struck out hitters at an average of 11.1 for every nine innings, leading the American League. In 2014, he started in 33 games and garnered a 3.15 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 2.85 FIP. In the past three seasons, his numbers stayed consistently close, making him one of the best rotation arms in MLB.

Scherzer, 30, played with the Detroit Tigers in the 2014 season but may be released by the team, considering how the Tigers still need to re-sign Victor Martinez and prepare for David Price, Bleacher Report added.

Hngn.com reported that in the search for Jeter's replacement, three names are at the top of the list - Scherzer, James Shields and Jon Lester. All three are bound for free agency after the 2014 postseason. It would be good for the Yankees to start looking into these premiere players to have a chance to join the 2015 postseason.

George King III of the New York Post wrote, "Max Scherzer, James Shields and Jon Lester are the premier free-agent starters and the Yankees will monitor all three although the early industry vibe is the Yankees aren't going to spend big money this winter."

In the Bleacher Report article, it was noted that James Shields was acquired by the Kansas City Royals from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013. With a 2014 ERA of 3.21, 1.18 WHIP and 3.59 FIP, Shields became one of the best starters in the American League. There are reports that the Boston Red Sox are also eyeing on the 32-year-old to rejoin AL East. Shields is a cheaper alternative to Scherzer or Lester and would make Boston a good contender for the 2015 postseason.

Finally, Jon Lester remains the top free agent in the market, according to Bleacher Report. He recently moved from Boston to the Oakland Athletics. He is one of the best rotation arms in the league and has remained consistent in the past five seasons, with a 2.46 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 2.80 FIP in the 2014 season. He is expected to be the most expensive among the three pitchers.