NY Yankees News: Jacob Elsbury, Matt Garza are Yanks' Free Agency Targets

The New York Yankees are reportedly eyeing Boston Red Sox slugger Jacoby Ellsbury and Texas Rangers hurler Matt Garza as their free agency targets this coming winter, a source close to situation reported on Saturday.

"The Yankees have been discussing several big-name free agents -- including new ones Jacoby Ellsbury, Matt Garza and Stephen Drew -- as they weigh how to remake their team," CBS Sports Baseball insider Joh Heyman reported.

After a whirlwind of a 2013 season filled with injuries and PED-related suspensions, the Yankees look to make a big splash this offseason by reloading their batting and pitching units.

SB Nation reported that the Yankees are setting their sights on Elsbury, who's set to become one of the hottest hitters available on the free agent market.

The Red Sox outfielder batted .298 with 9 homers and 53 RBIs this season. He also recorded .355 in OBP and .426 in SLP for the reigning World Series Champion.

The Yankees' potential acquisition of Elsbury would create more bitterness in the rivalry between the Pinstripes and the Red Sox, who also showed their intention to retain the slugger they selected in the first round of the 2005 draft.

Looking for Garza and Drew

The Yankees are also planning to boost their pitching rotation this offseason following the retirement of surefire Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera and starter Andy Pettitte.

Garza, who was acquired by the Rangers in trade-deadline deal with the Chicago Cubs, is expected to command a lucrative deal after coming up with a nice stats line last season. Garza went 10-6 with 3.82 ERA and 136 strikeouts in the 2013 season.

Meanwhile, the Yankees are as well considering the possibility of bringing in another Red Sox player in Stephen Drew. The 30-year old shorts stop batted .253 with 13 homers and 67 RBIs last season.

Shedding Pay-Roll

The Yankees made it a point this offseason to cut down their massive $230 payroll below $180 million. According to SB Nation, the Yanks have already shed roughly $80 million following retirements and contract expiration. Nevertheless, the Yankees are still expected to play aggressive this winter as they try to return to contention.