After winning the 2024 American League pennant, the New York Yankees lost star outfielder Juan Soto in free agency to the New York Mets. Falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, New York has been attempting to retool its roster this MLB free agency period. 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.
Rebuilding their lineup after Soto’s departure, New York also traded for 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger and signed seven-time All-Star Paul Goldschmidt. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (46).
It was announced by Yankees manager Aaron Boone in a Jan. 28 interview with WFAN Sports Radio (h/t CBS) that 2022 All-Star Jazz Chisholm 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 the 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+ that ranked sixth in the American League. Since that season, Moncada has steadily declined, which has been aided by injuries.
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.”
For now, New York has decided not to reengage on Moncada after reviewing his medical information. Should their infield options dwindle further, it seems the Yankees could revisit the possibility of adding him.
