The New York Yankees have been linked to several infielders to address their need at second or third base, depending on where Jazz Chisholm Jr. ends up playing. Initially, the Yankees showed interest in Ha-Seong Kim and Jorge Polanco, but both players have signed with other teams. Now, New York Post MLB reporter Mark W. Sanchez reports that the Yankees are considering top versatile player to fill their infield gap.
“Earlier in the offseason, the Yankees requested and received medical information on top star, who played only 12 games with the White Sox last season due to an adductor strain,” Sanchez noted. “he is expected to be ready for spring training. A source mentioned that the Yankees have not re-engaged on him yet, but that could change once other infield dominoes, like Alex Bregman, are moved. The 29-year-old had an impressive start with Chicago but has struggled to stay healthy recently, averaging about 70 games per season over the last three years, with a .678 OPS during that stretch.”
Moncada’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. However, if he is healthy, he could be an option to start at third base for the Yankees, potentially competing with DJ LeMahieu for the job. Moncada was the top MLB prospect in 2017 but has not fully lived up to the hype, hitting just .254 with a career-high of 25 home runs and 79 RBIs, which he achieved in 2019.
Yankees Linked to Former World Series Infielder
Along with Yoan Moncada, Sanchez also links the Yankees to Kike Hernandez. Hernandez, who won World Series titles with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020 and 2024, has yet to re-sign with a team, and it’s unclear whether he will return to the Dodgers. Sanchez reports that the Yankees have shown interest in Hernandez.
“A source mentioned that the Yankees have inquired about Hernandez, a player they also asked about last winter,” Sanchez wrote. “The 33-year-old utilityman is known for his postseason heroics, once again elevating his game to help the Dodgers secure the 2024 World Series. However, he has been relatively ordinary in the regular season, posting a .643 OPS from 2022 to 2024. While the Yankees have expressed interest, the most likely outcome for Hernandez may be a return to Los Angeles, where the Dodgers will have roster space when they move injured players to the 60-day injured list.” Hernandez finished last season with a .229 batting average, 12 home runs, and 42 RBIs for the Dodgers.
Hal Steinbrenner Believes Team is Better
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner believes this year’s roster is an improvement over last season’s, which fell short in the World Series. Despite losing Juan Soto, Steinbrenner is pleased with the team’s offseason moves and confident in their upgrades.
“We’re excited about (the offseason moves),” Steinbrenner told YES Network. “A lot of hard work went into December and January. Some people may disagree with me, but some will agree. I think we have a better team than we did a year ago today.”
The Yankees added Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt, all of which Steinbrenner feels have improved the team.
“Our starting rotation’s better. Our defense is better. Bellinger and Goldschmidt, I think they’ll make up for a good deal of Juan’s offense,” Steinbrenner concluded.