NYY News: Arráez, Polanco, and Rodgers, oh my!
Yesterday at 12:00 AM
Rumors swirl around three infielders whom the Yankees could acquire to fill hole; yet another reminder that Marcus Stroman is on the block
The Athletic | Chris Kirschner: (subscription required) The Yankees very much need another infielder, and the latest round of rumors surrounds Luis Arráez, one of the league's two batting champions for the last three seasons. Among conflicting reports about the feasibility of the deal, Chris Kirschner asks the very important question: should the Yankees even want to trade for him? Since this article is behind a paywall, I won't spoil the conclusion, but rest assured, whether Arráez's league-best contact ability sufficiently compensates for his low power and lack of defensive ability is a difficult calculation to make.
New York Post | Mark W. Sanchez: Amidst their search for infield help, the Yankees have also apparently checked in on Arráez's former teammate, Jorge Polanco. Polanco, a free agent after the Seattle Mariners declined their team option, had knee surgery in October after years of discomfort; since he's expected to be healthy in time for spring training, whatever team signs him — be that the Yankees or anyone else — will hope that the surgery may help him bounce back from his worst full season since 2018.
MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: Our rundown of infield rumors continues, as Bob Nightengale reported yesterday that the Yankees have had discussions with former top prospect Brendan Rodgers, a free agent who has flashed potential earlier in his career but who has struggled since suffering a shoulder injury in 2023. Given that the Rockies declined to tender him a contract this season, his contract is not expected to break the bank, and may represent a low-cast option at second base for the Yankees.
NJ.com | Jimmy Hascup: Ever since the Yankees signed Max Fried earlier this winter, rumors have swirled that the Yankees would trade starter Marcus Stroman. That continues to be the case, as Nightengale said yesterday that the Yankees were "actively trying" to trade the veteran starter, who is owed $18 million this season and has a vesting option for 2026 based on innings pitched. Such a move, if it were to happen, would likely be a contract swap, with the Yankees taking on another bad contract (but likely one that would help fill a position of need).
