The Yankees have spent the entire offseason hoping for a drop in prices for free-agent infielders, playing the waiting game. However, this strategy has caused them to miss out on several promising targets, with Yoan Moncada being the latest player to sign elsewhere.
This week, the Los Angeles Angels secured the former White Sox third baseman on a one-year, $5 million deal, leaving the Yankees with fewer options as spring training approaches.
Moncada Was a Risk Worth Taking Although Moncada’s injury history made him a risky addition, his potential was undeniable. He only played 12 games in 2024 but posted a solid .275/.356/.400 slash line in 45 plate appearances. When fully healthy in 2021, he hit .263/.375/.412 with 14 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a 120 wRC+.
His switch-hitting ability and success against both left- and right-handed pitchers would have made him a valuable asset, especially in Yankee Stadium. Despite concerns, the Yankees did request his medicals earlier in the offseason, indicating interest. But with Brian Cashman hesitant to spend aggressively, Moncada ultimately signed a team-friendly deal with the Angels that the Yankees could have easily matched.
The Yankees Are Running Out of Options With Moncada off the table, the Yankees may now have to turn to the trade market if they want to upgrade at third base. The remaining free-agent options aren’t particularly exciting, though Brendan Rodgers could be a potential target if the price is right.
- Yoan Moncada
The former Rockies infielder has starting experience and has been relatively healthy, but he will likely cost more than Moncada did. For now, the Yankees appear to be content with Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and DJ LeMahieu competing for the third-base spot. However, this trio doesn’t inspire confidence, and with LeMahieu aging and Peraza having limited offensive potential, it’s hard to see this combination as an ideal solution.
Unless Cashman can pull off a creative trade, the Yankees are taking a risk at third base. While they’ve made significant improvements in other areas this offseason, leaving a major hole in the infield could prove costly. With another option now off the table, the pressure is on to find a solution before Opening Day.
Leave a Reply