The Yankees are actively scouting for reinforcements in the infield and have expressed interest in Enrique Hernandez and Yoan Moncada. Moncada’s current status on the Yankees’ shortlist is uncertain as they requested Moncada’s medical records earlier in the offseason, but seemingly have not followed up since, according to a well-placed source. Hernandez is not new to the Yankees’ interest list, with the team having come close to securing the skilled utility player’s services during the last free agency.
Despite the Yankees’ keen interest, Hernandez went with his previous team, the Dodgers, signing a one-year, $4M contract. Aligning with the Dodgers turned out to be a fruitful decision for Hernandez as it contributed to his championship title winnings. In the World Series, the Yankees had the opportunity to witness firsthand Hernandez’s capabilities as he scored .278/.316/.389 over 20 plate appearances in the Dodgers’ five-match victory against the Yankees.
There’s no current chatter about Hernandez’s status in the free agent market this offseason, potentially paving the way for another stint with the Dodgers. The Dodgers could hold off until the spring training commences, freeing up roster space as players move to the 60-day injured list. However, this timeline might provide an opening for other teams to present Hernandez with an irresistible offer.
For instance, the Yankees can entice Hernandez with the promise of more frequent play, which might be harder to come by in the star-studded L.A. team. Hernandez, a right-handed batsman, would add diversity to the lineup, complementing left-handers like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Cody Bellinger, whether in the infield, center field, or even augmenting the switch-hitting Jasson Dominguez in left field.
Hernandez’s flexibility could be a valuable asset to the Yankees, providing them with more options as they plan Chisholm’s future position, either as a second or third baseman. It can also help the team strategize how DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza fit within the roster dynamically. Sharing the field with this talented squad provides Hernandez a unique opportunity to solidify a spot on the team.
Through his 11-year career in Major League Baseball, Hernandez’s offensive performance has been inconsistent but generally maintained a .238/.308/.405 slash line and 93 wRC+ over 3896 career PA. When it comes to the playoffs, Hernandez steps up his game and his stats reflect that with a .278/.353/.522 in 259 postseason PA with the Dodgers and Red Sox, validating his reputation as a player to trust in high-pressure situations.
Such unexpected strength in critical times from a player like Hernandez might be exactly what the Yankees require to clinch another title, after their previous season’s shortfall against the victorious Los Angeles team. As for Moncada, he hasn’t played second base since 2018 and would likely fill a third base position if recruited by the Yankees. However, the Yankees are not the only ones eyeing Moncada, with interest also shown by the Mariners, Cubs, and Blue Jays this off-season.
The rationale for wider interest is Moncada’s availability, following the White Sox’s expected decision to not exercise their $25M club option last autumn. This decision was fueled by Moncada playing in only 12 games in 2024 due to a left adductor injury, which could have been ameliorated if the White Sox had not limited his play post his mid-September activation from the 60-day injured list.
Moncada’s stint with the White Sox was a rollercoaster ride, marked with high expectations considering his elite prospect status and the five-year, $70M deal he struck with the Sox before the 2020 season. However, his performance often wavered, concluding his eight seasons with the White Sox with a .254/.332/.425 over 3122 PA.
His journey with the White Sox ended on a somber note due to his limited play in 2024, resulting from his injuries. But, despite his checkered past with injuries and fluctuating performance, Moncada is still seen as a player with enormous untapped potential. After a few injury-ridden seasons, Moncada is now rebuilding his market value and showing promise of immense upside.
Despite the pressure and high stakes associated with joining the Yankees, Moncada could benefit from a change in environment and new challenges. His expertise could add depth to a part-time role on the Yankees team that has serious title ambitions. The ongoing interest from various quarters suggests that the baseball community sees potential in Moncada that hasn’t been fully harnessed in Chicago.
In conclusion, the upcoming season could bring exciting new beginnings for these players, whether that means a reshuffling of teams or a renewed commitment from their current teams. Both Hernandez and Moncada have showcased their talents on the field, and many teams, including the Yankees, want to leverage those skills to their advantage.
The Yankees’ search for promising additions to their infield line-up continues, and the decisions they make could shape the team’s championship chances for the coming season. Whether they opt for the consistent reliability that comes with Hernandez, or the untapped potential of Moncada, the Yankees will be set on delivering a lineup that poses a significant threat to their rivals on the diamond.
Ultimately, the deciding factors will include assessing the compatibility of these players with the existing team, taking into account factors like playing style, role flexibility, and performance under pressure. As the negotiation season heats up, it will be interesting to see how these talks progress and how each player’s future will be shaped by the outcome of the offseason.
For now, fans and analysts alike can only speculate and eagerly await where these players will land. Nevertheless, it is clear that both Hernandez and Moncada have intriguing futures within Major League Baseball. Whichever team they end up with, they are sure to make a significant impact and contribute to the success of the team.
In an ever-evolving sport like baseball, players must constantly prove themselves. For Hernandez and Moncada, this offseason presents an opportunity to redefine their careers and showcase their abilities. As the negotiations unfold, the baseball community will be watching keenly to see what’s in store for these distinguished players in the upcoming season.