{"id":26104,"date":"2025-02-15T02:48:15","date_gmt":"2025-02-15T02:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26104"},"modified":"2025-02-15T02:48:15","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T02:48:15","slug":"report-yankees-push-to-sign-cross-town-rival-could-be-a-game-changer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.azontree.com\/?p=26104","title":{"rendered":"“REPORT: Yankees\u2019 Push to Sign Cross-Town Rival Could Be a Game-Changer!”"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Should the New York Yankees pursue a cross-town rival to fix their infield?<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\"Oct<\/picture><\/figure>\n
Oct 16, 2024; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets second base Jose Iglesias (11) reacts during players introductions before game three of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. \/ Brad Penner-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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With Spring Training starting up for the\u00a0New York Yankees<\/a>, there is still one area of the team that it would be ideal to improve before the start of the campaign.<\/p>\n

It has been a busy and largely successful offseason for the Yankees. Despite losing one of their best players, New York pivoted nicely and has a well-balanced team both in the lineup and on the pitching staff.<\/p>\n

Due to the loss of one of the best hitters in free agency, all eyes will be on how the offense does without him in 2025. The Yankees were able to help soften the blow by acquiring two former MVPs.<\/p>\n

Bringing in both Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger appear to be strong moves for New York, with both having the potential to succeed in 2025.<\/p>\n

First base has been a bit of a mess in recent years due to injuries to Anthony Rizzo and Goldschmidt, despite his age, is an iron man at the position.<\/p>\n

The acquisition of Bellinger is an appealing one. Left-handed sluggers generally do well in Yankee Stadium, and with some down power numbers in recent years, the former MVP could take a step back closer to stardom with the change of scenery.<\/p>\n

However, there is still one glaring need in the lineup and that is at third base. Currently, DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera appear to be likely choices to start. This isn\u2019t what many want to hear, but options to improve are limited.<\/p>\n

One player who makes sense for the Yankees is infielder Jose Iglesias. The 35-year-old had the best year of his career with the\u00a0New York Mets<\/a>\u00a0in 2024. He slashed 337\/.381\/.448 with four home runs and 26 RBI in 85 games.<\/p>\n

With the ability to play in multiple spots in the field, Iglesias would be an excellent depth piece and insurance for New York.<\/p>\n

While he likely won\u2019t have the .337 batting average he did in 2024 again, he is a solid contact hitter at a .283 lifetime.<\/p>\n

Also, his effort and energy seemed to generate a lot of camaraderie in the clubhouse. His song \u2018OMG\u2019 took over the town during the Mets\u2019 run to the postseason.<\/p>\n

At this stage of the offseason, it\u2019s a bit surprising that the Mets haven\u2019t brought him back considering how well he not only performed but how much he was liked in the clubhouse.<\/p>\n

The cross-town rivals appear like they will be going in a different direction at second base and on their bench, leaving the door wide open for the Yankees to sign him.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Should the New York Yankees pursue a cross-town rival to fix their infield? 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