Yankees make trade with Mets for L.J. Mazzilli

For the first time since 2014, the Yankees and Mets came together to make a trade; as the Yanks sent outfielder Kendall Coleman to the Amazins for utility player L.J. Mazzilli.

If the last name Mazzilli rings a bell, it’s because L.J.’s father Lee, played for the Yankees way back in 1982, in addition to working off and on for the organization since 1997.

• 1997-98, Mazzilli was the manager of the High-A Tampa Yankees
• 2000-2003 Yankees first base coach
• 2006 Yankees bench coach

Even today, the elder Mazzilli is employed by the Yanks as a Spring Training instructor.

At 27, L.J. is seen little more than minor league depth, however, perhaps a change of scenery will do the former 2013 fourth-round pick some good.

In five-plus seasons (528 games) down on the farm, Mazzilli has slashed .268/.339/.379 with 27 home runs, 222 RBI and a 336:202 K:BB ratio.

A second baseman by trade, Mazzilli saw ample time in the outfield as well as third base in 2017, while at Double-A Binghamton. Overall, across 856 innings, Mazzilli made only five errors in 374 chances. Not too shabby.

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Mazzilli had begun the new season at Triple-A Las Vegas, where he was off to a fast start, going 2-for-6 with a double and a stolen base.

As for Kendall Coleman, the 22-year-old outfielder was on the High-A Tampa roster to begin the new season, though he has yet to see actual playing time above short-season.

Drafted in the 11th round of the 2013 draft, the $150K bonus baby carries a .207/.309/.301 slash line with 10 homers and 86 RBI in 767 at-bats.

Though neither player is expected to have much of an impact on a major league roster, at their current pace, it looks like the Yanks got the better end of this deal.

At the very least, Mazzilli is another piece for Triple-A manager Bobby Mitchell to better his clubs chances at an International League Championship.

Next: Greg Bird thinks he will return sometime in May

Afterall, the Railriders have won three consecutive division titles.