Yankees Explore Infield Upgrades
The New York Yankees are actively seeking to enhance their infield lineup. They are exploring trade options to acquire three-time batting champion Luis Arraez from the Padres and Gavin Lux from the Dodgers. Both players are being considered to fill the second-base position left vacant by Gleyber Torres, who recently signed with the Tigers. If either player joins the Yankees, it would allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to remain at third base, providing stability to the infield.
Third Base Options and Challenges
The Yankees are also linked to third basemen Alex Bregman and Nolan Arenado. However, acquiring them seems unlikely, according to MLB Network insider Joel Sherman. The Yankees are considering internal options like DJ LeMahieu, who has two years left on his contract despite recent struggles due to injuries. Other internal candidates include Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, though neither has had extended success in the majors yet.
Roster Changes and New Signings
After losing Juan Soto to the Mets, the Yankees have been active in reshaping their roster. They signed Max Fried and traded for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger. Additionally, they made a bullpen move involving Jose Trevino. To address first base, the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt on a one-year deal, adding depth and experience to their lineup.
Roki Sasaki: A Potential Game-Changer
The Yankees have met with Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki, who is highly sought after this winter due to his young age and high upside. Sasaki’s meetings with MLB teams began recently and will continue post-holidays. His signing would involve international bonus pool money rather than a large contract, making him an attractive option for the Yankees. However, concerns exist about Sasaki’s ability to handle New York’s intense media environment, though his agent believes he can manage it well.
Challenges in Acquiring Nolan Arenado
The Yankees are not willing to take on most of Nolan Arenado’s salary in a potential trade with the St. Louis Cardinals due to his declining production and high contract cost. This impasse makes it challenging for the Yankees to secure Arenado, despite his potential to strengthen their infield. The team must weigh the financial implications against the benefits of acquiring such a high-profile player.
Strengthening the Pitching Rotation
With the addition of Max Fried and Gerrit Cole, the Yankees have formed a strong one-two rotation punch. This duo is expected to lead the pitching staff and provide stability throughout the season. The Yankees’ efforts to bolster their pitching lineup demonstrate their commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending for the championship.
Outfield Depth and Versatility
The Yankees are considering Jurickson Profar as a potential target to boost their outfield depth. Profar had a breakout year with the Padres, hitting .280 with 24 home runs and an .839 OPS. His versatility in both the infield and outfield makes him an attractive option for the Yankees, who are looking to add more offensive power following the loss of Gleyber Torres.
Competition for Roki Sasaki
The Yankees face stiff competition in acquiring Roki Sasaki, as teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and others are also pursuing the Japanese ace pitcher. Sasaki’s agent revealed that he is in control of his decision-making process and prefers not to involve players from interested teams in pitches. The Yankees must present a compelling case to secure Sasaki’s talents, as he is one of the few remaining high-impact talents available in the market.
Yankees’ Selling Points for Sasaki
The Yankees are leveraging their long history of winning as a selling point in their pursuit of Roki Sasaki. Despite losing Juan Soto, the Yankees have bolstered their pitching staff with Max Fried and Devin Williams. Their strong development programs and competitive environment make them an attractive destination for Sasaki, who prioritizes teams with robust development systems.
Upcoming Decisions and Expectations
A decision from Roki Sasaki is not expected immediately. It likely won’t happen by January 15 when the international signing period begins. Teams like the Yankees, Mets, Dodgers, and other contenders may have to wait until January 23 for a final decision on acquiring Sasaki. The Yankees remain hopeful that their efforts and strategic moves will pay off in securing top talent for the upcoming season.