With Gleyber Torres being introduced as the Detroit Tigers’ new second baseman, the New York Yankees are only looking for a second baseman.
Still, they also do not have an obvious leadoff hitter at the moment.
Torres led off in 56 games last season and 99 over his career with the Yankees, so now they are left not only with a hole up the middle but needing a spark for the offense in the No. 1 spot.
The options are limited on the free-agent market, even if you consider that the Yankees can bring in either a second or third baseman. Torres was the most likely fit for the Yankees in the group that also includes Alex Bregman, who seems to be out of their comfort zone at the moment.
The New York Post’s Mark W. Sanchez had an interesting suggestion that the Yankees could bring in Jose Iglesias. He hit .337 in 85 games with the Mets as a leadoff hitter last season – but he is 35. Ha-Seong Kim gives them the defense, and not only is he an average hitter, but he will miss time to start the year after September shoulder surgery.
Trade options also come with issues. Luis Arraez’s below-average defense makes him more of a designated hitter, especially since the Yankees invested heavily in run prevention with Max Fried.
Carlos Correa still has $128 million on his contract, which would push the Yankees payroll into territory owner Hal Steinbrenner doesn’t want to go, and Alec Bohm comes with defensive concerns.
Brandon Lowe comes with concerns about his ability to stay healthy.
Most likely, the Yankees will try to fill the leadoff spot and either third or second base internally. Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, prospect Jorbit Vivas, and DJ LeMahieu will be competing for the spot in spring training.
Jazz Chisholm, Jr. will play either second or third base and he profiles as a leadoff hitter with speed, but he doesn’t get on base enough. Anthony Volpe has done it in the past and is young and could grow into it.
