The New York Yankees are still looking for a left fielder. On Saturday, they added another candidate to the list.
According to Mark Feinsand, the Yankees have signed Willie Calhoun to a minor league deal. That contract includes an invitation to the major league portion of spring training.
Willie Calhoun could have role with New York Yankees
Calhoun had once been one of the more highly regarded prospects in baseball, a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2018 season. He showed flashes of his potential in 2019, hitting 21 homers as he seemed ready to establish himself in the majors.
That did not end up being the case. Calhoun struggled in the pandemic shortened 2020 season, as a broken jaw and a hamstring injury helped ruin his season. A fractured forearm in 2021 ruined hopes for a bounceback season, while a slow start in 2022 led to a demotion to the minors and Calhoun demanding a trade. He was eventually sent to the Giants, but spent most of his time in their organization in Triple-A, appearing in just four major league games.
At the same time, the Yankees do have an opening in left field. Aaron Hicks may be penciled in atop the depth chart, but he is hardly a given due to his injury history and lack of production. Oswaldo Cabrera could be an option as well but the Yankees seem to like having him as a super utility option. Calhoun could get more of a chance than anyone would expect.
Maybe that is all he needs. The last three seasons had been a perfect storm for Calhoun to struggle, given his injuries and lack of playing time. He did perform much better in Triple-A with the Giants, and with a strong spring training, could make a case for a role. At 28 years old, and with several years of team control left, he could be an asset for the Yankees.
The New York Yankees have signed former top prospect Willie Calhoun to a minor league deal. He could end up being a bargain.