Since falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the New York Yankees have been attempting to retool their roster in free agency.
Signing two-time All-Star pitcher Max Fried to a historic eight-year, $218 million contract, the largest ever awarded to a left-handed pitcher, New York added an elite front-end starter.
After star outfielder Juan Soto signed with the New York Mets, the Yankees traded for 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger and signed seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt.
First baseman Paul Goldschmidt signed with the Yankees this offseason.
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It was announced by Yankees manager Aaron Boone in a Jan. 28 interview with WFAN Sports Radio (h/t CBS Sports) that 2022 All-Star Jazz Chisholm Jr. will slide across the infield and play second base. Acquired from the Miami Marlins last season, Chisholm primarily played third base for the Yankees.
This leaves an opening at the hot corner for New York, one that could be filled via free agency. One potential free agent option for the Yankees is former Chicago White Sox star Yoan Moncada.
Owning a career .756 OPS, Moncada was among MLB’s best young hitters in 2019, when he posted a 140 OPS+, ranking sixth in the American League. Since that season, Moncada has steadily declined, and injuries have played a role.
Appearing in just 12 games last season, the 29-year-old Moncada was unable to stay on the field. This is why the Yankees have reportedly decided not to re-engage on the former Chicago star after receiving his medical information.
“Early in the offseason, the Yankees asked for and received medical information on Moncada, who played just 12 games with the White Sox last season because of an adductor strain,” Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post reported.
While Moncada is expected to be ready by spring training, Sanchez added, “a source said the Yankees have not re-engaged on Moncada, which could change when the domino that is Bregman and other infielders are taken off the board.”
