Breaking: Yankees Agree Deal To Bring Back Former Power-Hitting $4.5 Million Infielder

The New York Yankees are in dire need of additional infield help after losing Oswald Peraza for a number of weeks and doubting DJ LeMahieu’s availability for opening day.

Although LeMahieu has been attempting to recuperate as quickly as possible by mild jogging, the Yankees ought to look into another infielder. One slugger in particular, who was just cut by the Cincinnati Reds, would be a wonderful fit.

The Yankees Could Add Mike Ford to the Equation

Former Yankee Mike Ford, 31, is fresh off an incredible 10-game spring training run with Cincinnati. With three home runs and eight RBIs, he hit.455/.486/.727 with a 5.7% walk rate and an 8.6% strikeout rate. The Yankees would be thrilled to acquire Ford’s home run hitting power, even though he has undoubtedly had ups and downs in his career.

After playing for four different clubs before joining Seattle in 2023, he only hit 17 home runs in total before the 2022 season, despite having spent his first three years of professional ball with the Bombers. Ford participated in 84 games in the previous season, hitting 16 home runs and tallying a 123 wRC+, which put him 23% above the typical MLB hitter.

Although Ford lacks the versatility to play all infield positions, he can provide support in the event that someone is lost at first base. With Anthony Rizzo out of the lineup for Friday’s game due to a lat strain, the Yankees are undoubtedly still wary of him. Though it isn’t expected to be a major issue, the Yankees are being cautious with their veterans, particularly since LeMahieu has another foot problem and Gerrit Cole is already out.

Ford would cost the Yankees almost nothing and had a red hot spring, so at the absolute least he can be Rizzo’s primary reserve and be easily traded if they decide to go in a different way. This is especially true if they don’t feel that they need a versatile player in the infield.