The New York Yankees finally made a move to add some depth at first base, and it help clear up some questions about the defensive roster.
Signing former MVP Paul Goldschmidt gives the Yankees a veteran presence at first base from the right side of the batter’s box. It also gives the Yankees a chance to platoon 25-year-old Ben Rice from the left side.
But beyond that, it means Cody Bellinger, another former MVP, will remain in the outfield rather than playing first base, which was a possibility when the Yankees acquired him earlier this week in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
While Bellinger would have been a solid addition at first base, the impact he can have in center or left field could be more fruitful for the Yankees.
For one, it moves Aaron Judge back to right field. Though the advanced metrics state otherwise, Judge was a serviceable center fielder.
Moving him back to the favorable area of right field in The Bronx, however, means the Yankees have an elite player defending the short porch again.
Bellinger is a solid option in center field. He’s posted a positive Outs Above Average (OAA) in each of his last six seasons.
The Yankees might trust him more in left field while potentially moving young phenom Jasson Dominguez to center field — his more natural position. Dominguez struggled immensely in left field at Yankee Stadium, which is a notoriously difficult position to play.
It will be interesting to see what the Yankees do with Goldschmidt now at first base, but it all but confirms Bellinger will be in the outfield.
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