TEAM-NEWS: Yankees Eye Former Top Prospect To Solve Major Infield Crisis – Could This Be the Game-Changer?

The New York Yankees have been exploring options to fill a hole at second or third base, depending on where Jazz Chisholm Jr. ends up playing. Early in the offseason, the Yankees showed interest in players like Ha-Seong Kim and Jorge Polanco, but both have since signed elsewhere. Now, New York Post MLB reporter Mark W. Sanchez connects the Yankees to Yoan Moncada as a potential solution for their infield needs.

Sanchez reported that the Yankees had previously requested and received medical information on Moncada, who was limited to just 12 games with the White Sox last season due to an adductor strain. Moncada is expected to be ready for spring training, but a source indicated that the Yankees haven’t re-engaged in talks with him yet.

This could change once other infielders, including Alex Bregman, are moved. Moncada, 29, had a strong start with Chicago but has struggled with injuries and performance in recent years, averaging just 70 games per season over the last three years and posting a .678 OPS during that span. If healthy, Moncada could compete with DJ LeMahieu for the Yankees’ third base spot.

Moncada, once the top MLB prospect in 2017, has yet to meet the high expectations. His career-best season came in 2019 when he hit .254 with 25 home runs and 79 RBIs.

In addition to Moncada, Sanchez also reports that the Yankees have expressed interest in Kike Hernandez. The 33-year-old utility player won World Series titles with the Dodgers in 2020 and 2024 but is still a free agent.

The Yankees inquired about Hernandez last winter as well, and they have checked in on him again this offseason. While Hernandez has been a postseason hero, his regular-season performance has been underwhelming, posting a .643 OPS from 2022-24. Despite his struggles, the most likely outcome is that Hernandez returns to the Dodgers, who have roster spots available after moving injured players to the 60-day injured list.

Meanwhile, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner is confident that the team is stronger than last year’s squad that fell short in the World Series. Despite missing out on Juan Soto, the Yankees made key additions like Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt, moves that Steinbrenner believes improve the roster. “Our starting rotation’s better. Our defense is better. Bellinger and Goldschmidt, I think they’ll make up for a good deal of Juan’s offense,” Steinbrenner said.