The New York Yankees may not be in the market for top third-base free agent Alex Bregman, but the three-time All-Star could still bolster their defense. The Yankees need an infielder. Jazz Chisholm, Jr. can play third or second base, but not both.
The Yankees, emphasizing run prevention after losing slugger Juan Soto to free agency, must take advantage of the evolving market to acquire a solid infielder. With the Cubs now flirting with signing Bregman, the Yankees could move in and offer a trade for Gold Glover Nico Hoerner.
Miller explains why Hoerner is a good fit.
“Hoerner? He doesn’t hit for power, but he’s a right-handed bat who will hit .260, steal 30 to 40 bases, and play the heck out of second base. He’s won a Gold Glove and is a night-to-day difference in the field from (former Yankees second baseman Gleyber) Torres,” Miller wrote.
Hoerner, 27, fits well with the Yankees’ offseason plans to improve their defense, which is especially important now with ground-ball pitcher Max Fried on the mound every five days. Hoerner was in the top 88th percentile in fielding run value, according to Baseball Savant, and he has never ranked lower than that. His range, what used to be called Outs Above Average, was in the 90th percentile.
The Cubs’ 2018 first-round pick out of Stanford is also an excellent baserunner, which the Yankees could use. Last season he stole 31 bases in 37 attempts, ranking him in the 95th percentile in the majors.
The Yankees won’t get much power from Hoerner, he slashed .273/.335/.373 with seven homers last season, but he’s a good contact hitter. He could also fill the hole that Soto left in the leadoff spot. He has led off in 142 games over his career.