The 2023 lost season forced the New York Yankees to make desperate moves. The roster they once deemed potent for contesting for the World Series championship struggled to stay healthy throughout the disastrous year. Eventually, Brian Cashman parted with a couple of candidates mid-season owing to public pressure.
Aaron Hicks became the first victim of the damage control mission as the Yankees released him mid-season owing to offensive lackluster. Months later, the team parted with veteran Josh Donaldson. Besides, the Bronx Bombers also put a fan-favorite center fielder on waivers, which shook the fan base. Meanwhile, that fan favorite is set to return to New York but in a different jersey.
New York Mets Sign Harrison Bader In A One-Year Deal!
Harrison Bader joined forces with the New York Yankees in 2022, wherein he was traded from the Cardinals in exchange for Jordan Montgomery. The Bronx Bombers reportedly saw potential in Bader and thus chose to orchestrate the deal. While the center fielder lived to the hype in 2022, he struggled to stay healthy in 2023. Bader suffered from hamstring and oblique issues, which negatively hampered his hitting prowess. Months later, the front office decided to put him on waivers, wherein he was claimed by the Cincinnati Reds. However, the outfielder teared up during his exit interview. He said that growing up in Bronxville, his only dream was to wear pinstripes.
“You know, I never thought I’d play in the big leagues, let alone in the Yankee uniform. I have no idea what’s to come in the future. I certainly hope it’s in a Yankees uniform again,” said Harrison Bader. The outfielder’s statement came against the backdrop of his free agency. As Bader became a free agent this off-season, he hopes for the Bombers to call for a reunion. While the call came from New York, it wasn’t what Bader expected. Instead of NYY, the Mets called up for negotiation and reportedly agreed to a one-year $10.5 million contract with Bader. Jeff Passan of The Athletic confirmed the deal earlier today. Having said that, for Yankee fans, seeing Harrison Bader in a Mets uniform will undoubtedly evoke mixed emotions. But, the business side of baseball often leads to unexpected player movements. Bader’s switch to the Mets serves as a prime example.
Yankees Claims Yet Another Outfielder Off Waivers!
Despite having an overflowing outfield depth, the New York Yankees continue to add more pieces. In a fresh roster move, the Bronx Bombers claimed left fielder Bubba Thompson off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. In his short major league stint, Thompson logged a .242 batting average while maintaining a .591 OPS.
However, the OF possesses one special skill. His sprint speed of 30.4 mph ranked in the 100th percentile. Having said that, Bubba Thompson is likely to serve as a backup option next season for the Yankees. The team’s outfield lineup is locked with enough depth on the bench. Regardless, Thompson’s presence will boost the team’s depth, and having extra depth does not hurt anyone.
