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New York Yankees wake up from free agency slumber

By David Hill

Sep 15, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) reacts after being hit during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Marwin Gonzalez (9) reacts after being hit during the third inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Yankees have been watching the rest of the division improve or make moves in free agency while they have done virtually nothing. Yes, Anthony Rizzo is back, but that is more a matter of bringing one of their own back. They did make a trade with the Twins, but that allowed Minnesota to add Carlos Correa, someone that the Yankees were connected to. The Red Sox signed Trevor Story, taking the last top shortstop avaliable.

But the Yankees have done something in response. According to reports, they have signed Marwin Gonzalez to a minor league contract with an invite to the major league portion of spring training.

New York Yankees actually do something in free agency

This would have been an exciting signing after the 2018 season. Gonzalez was one of the top utility men in baseball, capable of playing anywhere on the infield and either outfield corner spot. With his solid power and defensive versatility, Gonzalez was someone that would be in the lineup nearly every day.

That changed over the past three years. While he had a solid 2019 in Minnesota, he has not been the same since leaving the Astros. He has combined for a .233/.300/.361 batting line since the end of 2018, hitting 25 homers and 37 doubles in 969 plate appearances.

It also shows how much Gonzalez may have benefited from the trash can saga. According to studies, Gonzalez had the highest amount of correct bangs against the can during the 2017 season. It is no surprise that ended up being his career year. It is also interesting that part of why the Yankees were tepid on Correa was his involvement in AstroGate, but Gonzalez benefited most.

If Gonzalez can be close to a league average bat, he would be a valuable addition to the Yankees roster. They need that type of versatility, especially if D.J. LeMahieu is needed on a daily basis which is possible given the questions surrounding Gleyber Torres. Gonzalez could play his way onto the Opening Day roster.

Next. Why did the Yankees give up on Voit?. dark

The New York Yankees have done something in free agency. Marwin Gonzalez is heading to the Bronx on a minor league deal.

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