Yankees may bring back former infielder with power strikes
With DJ LeMahieu’s availability for opening day uncertain and Oswald Peraza out for many weeks, the New York Yankees are in serious need of additional infield backup.
Although LeMahieu has been attempting to recuperate as quickly as possible by mild jogging, the Yankees ought to look into another infielder. One slugger in particular, who was just cut by the Cincinnati Reds, would be a wonderful fit.
Mike Ford Could Be Added by the Yankees to the Mix
Former Yankee Mike Ford, at thirty-one, is fresh off an incredible 10-game spring training campaign with Cincinnati. With three home runs and eight RBIs, he hit.455/.486/.727 with a 5.7% walk rate and an 8.6% strikeout rate. The Yankees would be thrilled to acquire Ford’s home run hitting power, even though he has undoubtedly had ups and downs in his career.
After playing for four different clubs before joining Seattle in 2023, he only hit 17 home runs in total before the 2022 season, despite having spent his first three years of professional ball with the Bombers. Ford participated in 84 games in the previous season, hitting 16 home runs and tallying a 123 wRC+, which put him 23% above the typical MLB hitter.
Although Ford lacks the versatility to play all infield positions, he can provide support in the event that someone is lost at first base. With Anthony Rizzo out of Friday’s game due to a lat strain, the Yankees are definitely still being cautious. Though it isn’t expected to be a major issue, the Yankees are being cautious with their veterans, particularly since LeMahieu has another foot problem and Gerrit Cole is already out.
Ford would cost the Yankees almost nothing and had a red hot spring, so at the absolute least he can be Rizzo’s primary reserve and be easily traded if they decide to go in a different way. This is especially true if they don’t feel that they need a versatile player in the infield.
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