Statcast data shows Yankees reuniting with this free agent would solve many needs

The world might be focused on the New York Yankees' big needs this winter, like solving center field, adding to the starting rotation, and revamping the bullpen, but there are several smaller needs bubbling underneath the surface.

While the Yankees were an offensive powerhouse in 2025, leading the league in home runs (274), runs scored (849), and OPS (.787), there was a weakness present: the ability to hit for contact. New York's team batting average of .251 was still above average, but coming in at 10th in baseball, it was closer to the middle of the pack than it was to leading the league. That number was also buoyed by having the AL batting champ in the lineup in Aaron Judge, while two other top contact hitters, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, are now free agents.

Meanwhile, part of the buzz surrounding Japanese stars Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami potentially landing in New York has to do with some unhappiness with Ryan McMahon's performance at the dish. In pinstripes, McMahon posted a .641 OPS and a 33.5% strikeout rate. With $32 million owed to him over the next two years, a full-on replacement isn't likely, but a right-handed caddy would make a ton of sense.

A familiar Yankees face would rectify both of these issues and more. That would be none other than Amed Rosario, who, like McMahon, came over at the deadline, but unfortunately didn't get as much of an opportunity to prove what he could do.

A reunion in free agency with Amed Rosario would solve multiple issues for the Yankees

Rosario was one of the club's more underrated moves at the trade deadline, but a shoulder injury limited his opportunities down the stretch. He was still productive, however, posting a .788 OPS in just 16 games and 33 plate appearances.

The main draw at the time for Rosario was his ability to mash southpaws. In 2025, he slashed .302/.328/.491 against lefties and owns a career .800 OPS against them.

The projected 2026 lineup once again features an overabundance of left-handed bats, so a righty like Rosario makes sense to balance things out, especially as a platoon partner for McMahon, who posted a pathetic .534 OPS against same-handed pitching this year.

Beyond that, Rosario's offensive profile brings a skill that is lacking for the majority of his Yankees peers. Among all free agents, he posted the second-highest expected batting average at .291, trailing only Bo Bichette.

Rosario brings versatility with him as well. While his days at shortstop are likely over, he can also spell Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second and cover the outfield corners. That flexibility could allow the Yankees to give Jose Caballero more run at shortstop as more of a direct competitor to Anthony Volpe, rather than asking him to serve as the club's primary utility man.

The soon-to-be 30-year-old isn't going to break the bank, either. He made just $2 million in 2025, and while Spotrac projects him to get a raise, his one-year, $3.1 million market value is immensely affordable.

We just saw the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays lean heavily on utility men like Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, and Ernie Clement in the World Series, so it should be clear that these types of players can have an outsized impact. When it comes to Rosario, the combination of solving direct needs and versatility should make a reunion a no-brainer this winter.