New York Yankees: The second base debacle will continue into 2018
Of the several positions in baseball, the New York Yankees only have to worry about one or two. However, the biggest decision may come at second base, where several options remain.
The New York Yankees had a solid second baseman that contributed 37 bombs and 133 RBIs across two seasons. But general manager Brian Cashman dealt him in a risky move to bring the National League MVP to the Big Apple.
Now the team must fill the vacancy temporarily while prospects Gleyber Torres and Thairo Estrada adjust themselves to whatever infield spot they are given. Torres could play second or third at this point. Estrada is initially a shortstop but is flexible as well.
Until a firm decision is made, someone has to fill in on a daily basis.
Two notable names stand out primarily because analysts mentioned them this offseason following the Stanton trade. Yet, New York manager Aaron Boone must determine whether Tyler Wade and Ronald Torreyes can occupy the spot regularly.
Neither of the two Yankees boasts loads of experience. Wade played in 30 games in 2017 but posted a miserable .155 average in 58 at-bats. Yet, he played well in Triple-A during his time there, sporting a .310 average and a .842 OPS
Wade could produce in a somewhat obsolescent category – steals. The 22-year-old swiped 26 bags in 85 games in the minors last year and stole more than 25 in each of the two years before that. Even if he doesn’t acquire the everyday spot, he can potentially ride the bench as a pinch runner.
The 5-foot-8, 151-pound Torreyes doesn’t fit the bill of a “Bronx Bomber.” Nevertheless, he filled in admirably throughout the past season in three separate positions for New York. His versatility allows him to contribute in multiple ways on the field.
But Torreyes’ presence at the plate may be his downfall. He can hit the ball for contact, accumulating a .282 career average across 476 at-bats. However, just 32 of his 134 overall hits were for extra bases.
Much like Wade, Torreyes can stay in the big leagues for flexibility in the infield, even if he hits ninth in every bout for the Yankees. Or, as many may expect, the two could rotate until one overshadows the other regarding production.
However, the front office may consider adding a free agent or an infielder from another club instead.
Josh Harrison is the most recent player mentioned. He’s a utility infielder that can hit, run and play defense at an above-average level. The two-time All-Star probably wouldn’t cost much, either. He wouldn’t require a top prospect, especially for a team that needs to build up its farm system.
mets, blue jays & yankees are among potential fits for josh harrison, who along with cole and cutch is being talked about in trades
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 28, 2017
Brian Dozier and Cesar Hernandez are two other notable guys. The issue is that both would likely garner a more substantial package than Harrison.
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Dozier is a more prominent infielder with tremendous power. Moreover, the Twins were a win away from a playoff series. Thus the Yankees would have to provide something decent in return.
Hernandez was the Phillies’ best-kept secret for the previous two years. Now, should they trade him, they would receive a much grander return from other contenders. Still, if Philadelphia hopes to compete next year, he may not be available to New York – especially at a low price.
The Yankees would need to resort to the free agent market to find a suitable alternative for virtually nothing. Veteran players depend on one-year deals once they are no longer desired like they were in their salad days.
And experience – playoffs included – is highly valued in the Bronx, with Matt Holliday as an example. Brandon Phillips, Chase Utley, and Neil Walker are all available for hire.
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Utley and Walker could thrive in New York with the short right-field porch. But their consistency would be a significant issue.
Utley’s career numbers waned since 2013, as he hasn’t eclipsed the .750 OPS mark since.
Walker provides a punch with home-run power, but he could also request too much money for average results at best.
Phillips is a wild card option solely because he achieved some success on the Braves last season.
Despite having subpar power numbers, he still collected 34 doubles while hitting .285 in 2017. He could yet have some gas left in the tank.
Next: Should the Yankees wait to acquire an SP?
Whoever the Yankees decide to put at second base, it seems that it will only be temporary. Whoever presides over the position next year will be crucial if they hope to claim the AL East crown.