Ever since Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s high-stake pursuit fell apart, the New York Yankees took a backseat with respect to its off-season campaign. The front office went on complete radio silence. While the team is being actively linked to multiple pitching targets, the leadership has yet to initiate a substantial move.
With spring training on the horizon, the sense of urgency should have kicked in by now in the Yankees office. Having said that, instead of prioritizing pitching depth, the Yanks continue to add more outfielders and infielders. In the latest off-season move, the team agreed to a major league contract with a former Blue Jays infielder who, interestingly, is a New York native.
Yankees Adds Kevin Smith To Infield Depth For 2024 Season Roster!
In a move aimed at bolstering their infield depth, the New York Yankees have made a significant addition to their roster by signing free-agent infielder Kevin Smith. The versatile infielder, known for his defensive prowess and offensive contributions, brings a valuable skill set that could enhance the Yankees’ overall roster flexibility and depth. He mostly plays as a third-baseman. But could occasionally split time at shortstop. Additionally, Smith spent last season with the Oakland Athletics, wherein he hit .185 with five homers, four doubles, and 11 RBIs across 49 appearances. Interestingly, Kevin is a homeboy as he grew up in East Greenbush, New York. Thus, the infielder treated his acquisition as a homecoming moment.
Kevin Smith shared a childhood picture of him wearing a New York Yankees sweatshirt and captioned it as “Headed Home for 2024.” Having said that, Smith’s journey to the major leagues includes notable success in the minor leagues. His performance in the Toronto Blue Jays farm system showcased his potential as a promising infielder. And earned him recognition as a player with the tools to make an impact at the highest level. But at the same time, the Yanks’ infield depth is currently overflowing. Thus, the addition of Kevin Smith adds healthy competition for starting roles in the infield. With spring training over the horizon, Kevin Smith will likely contest for a role in Tampa. Overall, Kevin Smith’s acquisition was meant to extend the infield depth for the coming MLB season.
Yanks To Lose Primary Trade Candidate?
In a bid to bolster pitching depth, the New York Yankees had set eyes on Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes. The pitcher is entering his walk year in 2024. Thus, speculations linked him to the Bronx Bombers in a blockbuster trade deal. However, Burnes played down the rumors during a podcast appearance last month. He said he believes the Brewers will be competitive next season.
Besides, Corbin Burned cleared his intentions of entering free agency after the 2024 season. Meanwhile, a recent report from Bob Nightengale states that teams have started to believe that the Milwaukee Brewers will not trade ace Corbin Burnes. However, the interested teams, including the Yankees, could revisit their position at the All-Star break. But for now, the former CY Young award-winning pitcher is off the table.
