The Yankees have been quite active during the offseason period.
Signing Max Fried to an 8-year deal enhances what’s easily the deepest rotation in the American League. Trading for Devin Williams gives New York arguably the best reliever in baseball — and at the very worst a lethal one-two punch at the back end of the ‘pen alongside Luke Weaver.
The next order of business should revolve around getting help in the infield. Anthony Volpe is entrenched at shortstop. With Caleb Durbin going to Milwaukee in the Williams deal, the second base spot appears open. Durbin was likely going to be the everyday option there with Gleyber Torres leaving in free agency.
At third base, Jazz Chisholm Jr. will be back. He doesn’t exactly fit the bill as a natural defender at the hot corner despite his physical gifts (speed, hand-eye coordination, arm strength). There’s a world where he could move back to second base given the Yankees need for someone there. He could even move to centerfield — though that looks less likely with Jasson Dominguez ready to emerge, and a possible deal for Cody Bellinger in the works.
With Anthony Rizzo a free agent, and Christian Walker potentially headed elsewhere, the Yankees could be in the market for help at both corners. In terms of established vets out on the market, two fit the bill: Alex Bregman and Pete Alonso.
It would be somewhat ironic if the Yankees did sign Alonso. The Polar Bear has been the face of the Mets franchise for the last handful of years. With Juan Soto now in Queens, it’s not a sure thing Alonso re-up with the Mets. Mark Vientos is rumored to be moving from third to first, and committing a ton of money to Alonso may be a bit too rich even for Steve Cohen’s blood.
First, the positives with Alonso. He’s a very durable player. In five of his six seasons, Alonso has played at least 152 games. He’s also a virtual lock for 35+ homers. Alonso hit a career-high 53 HRs as a rookie. The last four years have included homer totals of 37, 40, 46, and 34. On three occasions has he broken the 118 RBI mark for a single season.
Alonso’s ability to slug fits in with the makeup of this team. He’d also be able to slot in at first base. On the flip side, he’s a below-average defender. We saw what happened to the Yankees in that regard during the World Series. Alonso also strikes out a ton — something this lineup already struggles with considering the presence of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Speaking of which, Alonso is a right-handed hitter like Judge and Stanton. Having those three atop the lineup may keep it unbalanced where other teams can intentionally lineup wipeout righties out of the ‘pen to face this grouping.
As for Bregman, the multi-time All-Star is battle-tested in postseason play. He’s been a part of some big moments, and he’s had his fair share of clutch hits.
Bregman is a contact hitter. He’s never struck out 100 times in any single season. His short, compact swing is very direct to the baseball — and simply being able to put the ball in play is something Yankees hitters have struggled with.
This past year, Bregman won a Gold Glove. His fielding in comparison to Alonso is much better. However, Alonso has Bregman beat in power and the ability to drive in runs. Bregman is a superior hitter from a batting average standpoint. However, he has been trending in the wrong direction in many underlying metrics. He’s coming off a year with the lowest OPS of his career. Bregman’s strikeout rate was elevated, and he walked far less compared to virtually every other year.
With all of that said, which player is a better fit for the Yankees? Bregman would be the correct answer. You’d probably prefer a left-handed bat if you were the Yankees. But in Bregman, you’re getting a proven contact hitter with postseason experience and a good glove at third base. Getting Chisholm Jr. back at second base appears to be a prudent move, and from there the Yankees can target someone to play first — presumably even Bellinger should the rumored trade with the Cubs come through.
