Yankees Rumors: Exploring the available middle infield market

When Gleyber Torres made his MLB debut in April 2018 with the Yankees, he arrived in the Bronx as a second baseman. However, when New York originally acquired Torres in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in July 2016, he had played most of his Minor League career as a shortstop. In fact, the versatile infielder had played 351 games at short between the Minors and Arizona Fall League before his promotion.

Point being, Torres is comfortable and extremely capable of manning the position until Gregorius returns. Additionally, Torres made 21 appearances at shortstop for the Bombers this past season.

This option also works in the Yankees favor due to the free agent second baseman market being extremely deep with proven veterans. Of the available players, some of the more recognizable names include Josh Harrison, Jed Lowrie, DJ LeMahieu, and Asdrubal Cabrera.

Of the four listed, LeMahieu and Lowrie are the most unrealistic. Both are likely two get multi-year deals, and it’s assumed that Cashman will want to only sign someone to a one-year deal.

Josh Harrison is an interesting candidate to play second, as it’s been noted by Jon Heyman of Fancred Sports that New York has kept tabs on the infielder. The 31-year old Harrison was a two-time All-Star at second base for the Pittsburgh Pirates but is also capable of handling third and the corner outfield spots.

Harrison is coming off a down 2018 campaign after he only appeared in 97 games after getting plunked on his left hand in April. The righty slashed .250/.293/.363 with eight HR and 37 RBI in his limited time on the field.

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What makes Harrison an attractive target is his reputation and versatility, as well as the potential to sign the Ohio native to a one-year deal and rebuild his value.

Lastly, most New York fans should be familiar with the name Asdrubal Cabrera. The 33-year old spent parts of three seasons (2016-18) with the crosstown rival New York Mets. Coming off a really nice year in which the veteran hit .262 with 23 HR and 75 RBI with the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies.

Cabrera is an ideal fit with the Yankees for two reasons: his versatility around the diamond and the fact he is a switch hitter. In 2018 alone, Cabrera played second, shortstop, and third base. This will obviously be key for the Yankees, considering Andujar’s defensive struggles at the hot corner.

Additionally, the Yankees are in dire need of some left-handed bats with the loss of Gregorius. While the switch-hitting Cabrera certainly won’t fix that void completely, he definitely could compliment the Yankees lineup against right-handed pitching.