Yankees see previous infield target fly off the board on cheapest possible deal

If money were the Yankees' primary obstacle in settling on an infield solution, then they certainly would've signed Amed Rosario on Wednesday morning. After all, it would be difficult to conceive of a more cost-conscious option than this.

Rosario came off the board instead to the Washington Nationals, agreeing to a one-year deal for just $2 million with the burgeoning semi-playoff contender. Last winter, he settled for even less, agreeing on a $1.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees were involved in his market during that particular offseason as well, choosing between Rosario and Kiké Hernández and somehow acquiring neither of them. The Dodgers, on the other hand, ended up with both midseason, but dumped Rosario onto the waiver wire, ending the utility man's season with the Reds.

Rosario was a flawed player last year. He's a flawed player now. Ostensibly, though, he was a flawed player the Yankees liked for his hit tool last time around. What changed? Their philosophy, in the wake of Gleyber Torres walking (and, yes, Rosario posting a 94 OPS+ last year after starting in flames in Tampa batting .307 with a 114 mark)? Or do they have something larger planned to address their infield hole?

If "balling on a budget" was all the Yankees were after, Rosario would've made a lot of sense.

Nationals sign Amed Rosario for $2 million, clarifying infield market for Yankees

Now, it seems, the Yankees know how much they should pay for a suitable, but flawed bench player masquerading as a starter. There's a reason they non-tendered Jon Berti, who was set to make nearly double what Rosario just signed for. Berti is a more complete player, but the offensive edge goes to the newest Nat.

Will the Yankees land on a bench hybrid like Jose Iglesias or a top prospect who's lost his shine, like Brendan Rodgers, to slot into their everyday lineup? Neither should cost more than $4-5 million, based on the established going rate. A big swing like Luis Arraez is still on the table, too (though, given his clanking iron glove, he's sort of like the evolutionary version of Rosario). Kiké Hernández is, too, if New York can tempt him out of the Dodgers' clutches.

Regardless, the Yankees got a bit more clarity on Wednesday while also losing a previous connection. Sometimes, that's for the better, though, and if 2024 is any indication, Rosario might be available again twice this summer.