{"id":92529,"date":"2024-12-21T14:42:40","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T19:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=92529"},"modified":"2024-12-21T14:42:40","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T19:42:40","slug":"these-infield-targets-options","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2024\/12\/21\/these-infield-targets-options\/","title":{"rendered":"Identifying Infield Options That Fit the Yankees\u2019 Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The rebound in the Bronx is in full swing as the Yankees take the reins in the offseason market. As the year progresses toward the end, the Yankees still have some blunt areas to polish. The infield and offense together may be one of those incomplete spots.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cody Bellinger was a huge move for the Yankees. This addresses a gap in the lineup and also somewhat addresses two positions. Bellinger can play both outfield and first base. However, the right field may have been what he was brought to New York for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bellinger seems to be the rebound to the Juan Soto loss. This would leave first base still up in the air. Second base also is opened for discussion, as well as third base. The Yankees can play chess on the infield and move pieces into appropriate spots to make performance effective.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Identifying Infield Options That Fit the Yankees\u2019 Needs<\/h2>\n

The club actually has depth in prospects and grassroot-type major league options. Their depth charts actually show two second-base options, two shortstop options, and three third-base\u00a0options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, shortstop Anthony Volpe is a hot topic. He\u2019s supposed to be the next best thing to wear pinstripes in the Bronx. Volpe was the primary shortstop in New York; his slashes at .243\/.293\/.364 were not exactly impressive, but works, as this was his second big-league season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Volpe And Cabrera<\/h3>\n

He\u2019s projected to be better in his offensive contributions and will continue to be dependable defensively. This may be a key piece for the Yankees to possibly either move over to second base or trade. Why move to second base? To make room for a veteran trade.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This goes for Oswaldo Cabrera, who can play all over the infield. Volpe may give you the better bang for your buck in a trade. Who would they trade for?<\/span><\/p>\n

Should Yankees Dabble in the Bo Bichette Possibilities<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic, the Toronto Blue Jays are in active trade talks to deal shortstop Bo Bichette.<\/a> It has become apparent to baseball fans in the American League East that Bichette seems to be \u201cchecked out\u201d in Toronto.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The two-time all-star was on and off with injury in 2024, limiting his at-bats to 333, and keeping his numbers silent. His previous three seasons were healthy, bringing 20-plus home runs, 60-plus home runs, and a .300-plus batting average.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bichette would be a good investment on the infield and in the lineup, especially if he can maintain health. A change of scenery to where baseball is taken in vain, his success may skyrocket. How do we get him to the Bronx? A packaged deal would include a main infielder such as Volpe or Cabrera and a prospect.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bichette is set to be a free agent after the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Toronto Could Also Deal with Vladimir Guerrero Jr\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Yankees tip-toed in trade deadline conversations this season involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr.<\/a> The Jays understood their fate in the American League East, and many expected them to blow up the entire scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the Bichette trade talks and the rumble about Guerrero Jr declining an offer, this could still happen now. Guerrero Jr is being toyed with in Toronto, salivating over Toronto\u2019s stated $760 million to Juan Soto<\/a>\u00a0and not offering anything reasonable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chatter in the league says the Jays first baseman was allegedly offered a contract worth $300 million-plus<\/a>, which was declined. Guerrero Jr is a homegrown Toronto prodigy. He\u2019s been an all-star the past four seasons and continues to be a staple offensively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This year, he hit a .323 batting average, .396 on-base percentage, and .544 slugging percentage with 30 home runs and 103 RBIs. His past four seasons were 20-plus home run years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guerrero Jr could fix the problem at first base and or third base if needed; his corner infield capabilities are valuable. The Jays may be looking to deal the first baseman, and a trade piece to the Yankees involving Cabrera, first baseman Ben Rice, or prospects would be ideal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Arenado Still An Option?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Yankees allegedly offered up right-handed pitcher Marcus Stroman to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for third baseman Nolan Arenado<\/a>. The offer was declined. Stroman, a 10-year league veteran, was the perfect move for the Yankees to part with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Is a Nolan Arenado trade still possible?@dgoold<\/a> joins #MLBTonight<\/a> to discuss details about the negotiations. pic.twitter.com\/FnHhgrVGNn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n