The New York Yankees are keen on making significant changes this offseason. Anyhow, the Yankees have made major moves this offseason, bringing in Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo. In the process, they have boosted their offensive power. But they are also looking to reinforce their bullpen. Moreover, the Yankees are trying to have balance in their bullpen. They had a lot of pitchers in the last season. But this offseason, the Bronx Bombers had to let go of several pitchers for sealing certain deals, including that of Juan Soto. Hence, they are on the lookout for some pitchers as well.
On Monday, the NY side made a trade deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that trade, the Yankees got an infielder, Jorbit Vivas, and a lefty reliever, Victor Gonzales. But in return, the Pinstripes traded an infielder, Trey Sweeney. The Dodgers were looking to free up a couple of spaces on their roster for Shohei Ohtani and Joe Kelly. On the other hand, the Yankees are happy as they got a left handed pitcher as they wanted. However, the infielder Vivas that the NY team got during this trade deal with LA is a pretty good infield prospect.
Is Jorbit Vivas More Than Just A Throw-In?
Vivas is not a top prospect but not a throw-in, either. He can make his Major League debut soon. But before that, Jorbit Vivas must handle Triple-A pitching. The former Dodgers infield prospect has got what he needs to debut in MLB next year. Vivas has the tools, modest power speed, and plate decisions. However, he is only 5’10 and weighs 170 pounds. Hence, his measurements are a little low for even a middle infielder. Moreover, the power of Vivas is more or less good. In 2021, he hit 14 homers while playing in Single-A and High-A. Later, in 2022, Vivas hit 10 home runs in Double-A. But in 2023, between Double-A and Triple-A, he hit 13 homers.
A cycle for Jorbit Vivas! My No. 15 #Dodgers prospect hit an 9th inning triple to complete it! The 22-year-old infielder is batting .281 since being promoted to Triple-A. #HereToPlay pic.twitter.com/PGQsAEWZd5
— Bruce Kuntz (@Bnicklaus7) September 8, 2023
This year, Vivas had a pretty good record in Double-A, hitting .280/.391/.436 with 12 homers and 21 stolen bases. He also posted a 123 wRC+ over 491 plate appearances. But then he struggled while playing 26 Triple-A games. As per a recent scouting report of Baseball America, Vivas has an excellent feel for the barrel and has a short, compact swing. Moreover, he likes to control the strike zone and possesses the contact skills and approach to hit for average. But he’s a small lefty hitter who lacks the strength to impact the ball constantly.
Yankees Need To Make The Most Use Out Of This Offseason
Moreover, they really needed it after a terrible 2023 season. The Bronx Bombers could not qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2016. On top of that, they finished with an 82-80 record. It was a tremendous shame for the fans of the NY side. Since 2009, the Pinstripes never made it to the World Series.
But they are the most successful side in the league to win the World Series the most number of times. At present, they are a top contender to sign the superstar free agent from Japan, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Moreover, the Japanese pitcher can be a perfect option as their starting pitcher alongside Gerrit Cole.