3 free agent fits Yankees fans aren’t discussing enough

2. Jonathan Villar

How about a guy who can do a little bit of everything? Villar hits for power, steals bases, and is versatile on the defensive end, having played second base, shortstop, third base and center field in 2021 with the New York Mets. The Yankees need depth at … all of those positions.

He’s two years removed from playing in all 162 games with the Orioles and registering an above-average 108 OPS+ with arguably the worst team in the league. He stole 40 bags that year, too.

In 2021, he appeared in 142 games with the Mets, slugged 18 homers, batted in 42 runs and swiped 14 bases in 454 at-bats. The Mets were bad and he was hardly afforded protection in that lineup for a majority of the season.

All he has to do is pop on the 7 train, go back to Grand Central station, and head north to the Bronx, where he should be given a premier bench role, filling in as needed at the aforementioned positions. You were all sick of seeing Brett Gardner on the field for 140 games, right? Wouldn’t you gladly give that exposure to Villar, who can also play premier infield positions and provide relief for a number of players?

The Yankees have needed a reliable utility player for years now. Villar is there for the taking. Should be an easy decision … unless Brian Cashman has bigger plans we’re unaware of.