Yankees In Great Struggle To Fill Infield Gap: Insider Confirms Yankees To Sign $4 Million 2-Time World Series Winner as Crucial Depth Piece

It seems like the Yankees are scrambling to fill their infield gap, and Enrique “Kiké” Hernández would have been an excellent option—his versatility, postseason experience, and clutch performances make him a valuable player on any roster. However, his loyalty to the Dodgers, coupled with the allure of playing in a familiar environment where he’s found great success, clearly outweighed New York’s pitch last offseason.

The Yankees’ lack of urgency to either extend Gleyber Torres or secure a replacement in advance has put them in a tough spot now. With Spring Training fast approaching, the front office will need to act quickly, potentially looking into trade options or targeting lower-profile free agents. It’s also worth considering whether the team might promote from within or take a chance on an under-the-radar player, though those strategies carry risks when competing in a division as tough as the AL East.

Do you think the Yankees should have prioritized keeping Torres, or are they better off exploring fresh options?

Yankees Pursued Hernandez in 2023 But Were Rebuffed

Kiké Hernández could indeed be a smart pickup for the Yankees, especially with his defensive versatility fitting their current needs. While his offensive production in 2024 was subpar, his ability to play nearly every position on the diamond makes him a valuable depth piece—particularly for a Yankees team that has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in recent years.

Defensively, Hernández’s 17 DRS at second base and solid numbers at third base highlight his capability to shore up critical infield spots. These are areas of need for the Yankees, especially given the uncertainty surrounding their current options at those positions. His ability to handle outfield duties is an added bonus, giving the team even more flexibility over a grueling 162-game season.

The concern, of course, is whether Hernández can bounce back offensively. His .229/.281/.373 slash line and 83 wRC+ in 2024 were well below league average, but his strikeout and walk rates suggest a player who could potentially rebound with adjustments at the plate. At age 33, his best years may be behind him, but he still offers enough value—especially defensively—to be worth a short-term deal for a Yankees team desperate for infield depth.

If the Yankees move forward with this option, do you think they’d target him for an everyday role, or would he function more as a utility player?

Would Signing Hernandez be Worth it for the Yankees?

Alexander Wilson’s skepticism seems fair, especially given the Yankees’ lofty expectations and their history of aiming for higher-impact players. While Kiké Hernández’s versatility and affordability make him an appealing stopgap solution, the bigger question is whether he aligns with the Yankees’ overall strategy for 2025.

If the Yankees are hesitant to commit to a major move now, signing Hernández could feel like a temporary fix rather than a step toward real progress. While his $4 million price tag last season was reasonable for a utility player with his skills, it’s unclear if adding him would truly elevate the Yankees’ roster enough to justify not pursuing more substantial upgrades.

 

Wilson’s point about waiting until the trade deadline is particularly insightful. By midseason, the Yankees would have a clearer picture of their needs and could aim for a higher-impact infielder who fits their lineup better. This strategy could also allow them to keep their payroll more flexible while evaluating potential internal options or prospects who could step into the role.

Ultimately, signing Hernández might come down to whether the Yankees value immediate, short-term stability over waiting for a potentially more rewarding option. Do you think their reluctance to act now could come back to haunt them if injuries or underperformance strike early in the season?

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