It’s clear that the New York Yankees have several viable options sitting in their farm system ready to be utilized. As the next season approaches, what will the front office do before all of the team’s prospects bloom?
The New York Yankees own plenty of prodigious young infielders ready to take the next step. But until they are prepared to step into the spotlight, temporary starters may need to fill in.
Multiple options remain on the free agent market for second and third basemen. New York general manager Brian Cashman is in the works to acquire a starting pitcher, but he could – and probably should – immediately turn his focus to this.
Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, and Thairo Estrada are all candidates to be starters. Andujar is the only one to receive a taste of the big leagues, but that could change this season. He performed fairly well in his minuscule stint, giving fans a glimpse of what the future holds.
However, all three guys need time to develop further in the minor leagues. Thus, it would be wise, as a safety net, to sign someone like Todd Frazier or to hold down third for now. Neil Walker is available, but the Yankees already have Ronald Torreyes and Tyler Wade in line for second base.
Frazier is the most appropriate guy for the hot corner due to his presence in the playoffs – fans loved him. The third baseman’s numbers diminished over the past three years. Yet, he still boasts an impactful power swing, as he crushed 66 homers during 2015 and 2016.
Cashman may be disinclined to bring him back due to his price. But his veteran leadership and above-average fielding abilities could help the team leap forward. He had six defensive runs saved in just 66 games while in New York.
Frazier is appealing because he can fill in at first base when Greg Bird needs a rest. Tyler Austin is listed as the only other first baseman on the current roster, and he struggled at the dish the previous two seasons.
Mike Moustakas is another notable free agent that’s available. Although he is a much more enticing option, he likely desires a more expensive, multi-year deal. If the Yankees dealt Ellsbury to open up some more money, then it would be a possibility.
Still, the odds Cashman finds a place suitable for Ellsbury is slim, which means Moustakas will find a home elsewhere.
Some analysts state New York already has a plan in place – bring up Torres sooner rather than later. His numbers speak for themselves, meaning it’s not the worst plan.
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The league’s top prospect hit .309 in Triple-A and garnered 13 walks compared to 26 strikeouts.
His power didn’t show, as he knocked just two homers with 12 RBIs. Clearly, his injury denied him opportunities to showcase his pure talent.
But the Yankees believe he is the future at either second or third base, depending on who they find to secure the other open spot.
Brian Cashman can sign Frazier to a one-year deal, allowing the front office to have Torres become accustomed to second base.
Or Torres can acquiesce his third base duties, giving Torreyes and Wade an opportunity to prove themselves in the middle infield. Andujar can also get the nod, meaning a signing would be unnecessary.
Of course, there’s also Manny Machado, who will be a free agent next season. There are also several second basemen on the trade block, such as Brian Dozier. Either way, New York isn’t limited to its options.
Until a signing or trade occurs, it seems that the Yankees will invest in their young talent. That’s not a bad thing, either, as they boast arguably the best farm system in the league.
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Yet with the team’s “win now” mentality, a move could happen before the new year begins.