Chris Nelson could offer some defensive depth for the Yankees after being acquired via trade from the Rockies. (Image Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
Already coping with multiple injuries to their Major League roster and in search of some much-needed depth in the infield, the New York Yankees have acquired Chris Nelson from the Colorado Rockies. Colorado will receive cash considerations or a player to be named later, according to Zach Links at MLBTR.
Nelson has spent the better part of his career at third base, but does have some experience at both shortstop and second base as well. He was hitting .242/.282/.318 in 71 PA for the Rockies prior to being designated for assignment when the team elected to call up top prospect Nolan Arenado. It was expected that Colorado would end up moving Nelson when they made that decision, as numerous teams have expressed interest in him in the past and the chances that he’d clear waivers appeared slim. The Yankees were one of those teams who’ve expressed interest in the past, leading many to believe that the two sides would ultimately end up agreeing to a deal sooner rather than later.
New York recently placed Kevin Youkilis, who’s received most of their playing time at third base, on the DL. Jayson Nix had been expected to receive most of the starts at the position prior to this deal, but he will presumably share that playing time with Nelson in the short term. No roster move has been officially made as of yet, but rookie Corban Joseph could be the most logical candidate to be sent down in order to make room for Nelson on the active roster.