Yankees: Josh Harrison is a perfect fit in the infield

According to Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Yankees are among several teams showing interest in Pirates’ infielder Josh Harrison.

Over the last month, the Yankees have seen two infield spots open up with the departure of Starlin Castro and Chase Headley. Of course, the instant reaction is to pass the baton to top prospects Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar. However, that may not be the most plausible scenario.

However, that may not be the most plausible scenario. With the Yanks now seemingly in need of infield help, Josh Harrison of the Pirates makes perfect sense.

Harrison, 30, played a majority of his 128 games in 2017 at second base with 83, then 49 at third base, along with nine games between left field and right field.

Realistically, Harrison could be the perfect everyday utility man to extend either Torres or Andujar more time in the minors. While it may sound nice adding two more Baby Bombers into the 2018 mix, right out of the gate, but the two being big league ready, together, may be a bit far-fetched.

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Torres, 21, currently sits as MLB.com’s No. 2 prospect in all of baseball but is coming off season-ending Tommy John surgery. The possibility of an extended Spring Training, heading into the Triple-A RailRiders season certainly isn’t out of the question for the young phenom.

On the other hand, the only thing holding back the offensive threat of Miguel Andujar is his lack of defense. The 21-year-old hit a combined .315/.352./.498 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2017.

Unfortunately, his defensive ability at third base is a cause for concern that could keep him in Scranton come 2018.

With that said, acquiring Josh Harrison is an option the Yankees should undoubtedly explore.

With an above league average OPS+ of 101 in ’17, while also being reliable at both second base and third base, Harrison to the Yankees almost seems like a no-brainer.

In addition to his appealing versatility and adequate bat, Harrison is also under team control through 2020.

Ergo, the Yankees could have an established former All-Star as an everyday utility man that expedites the process of Torres’ and Andujar’s arrival to the Bronx. Then, in turn, could deal J-Har at the deadline or the following offseason, once he no longer fits the Yanks scheme.

Although I’m not the most prominent advocate of acquiring Cole, adding Harrison to the conversation certainly makes a potential deal much more appealing in my eyes.

Next: Yankees third-base coach Phil Nevin is pumped for 2018

Giving the Yankees a top-notch starter along with a player who can fill a void one of two infield positions is something the Yankees should and would entertain.