Gio Urshela Yankees

Arnab Bose

EXPLAINED: Why Yankees And Mets’ Efforts For Signing Gio Urshela Are Falling Short?

The New York Yankees have come through a really difficult season. They had a tough time last year. It was really embarrassing for the NY side as they finished with a terrible 82-80 record. The last season became the worst for the Bronx Bombers in the last 30 years. After going through one of the worst seasons in their franchise history, the NY side was in deep trouble. Moreover, they finished with the second-worst batting average in the league last season. Only the Oakland Athletics had it even worse than them. Hence, the Yankees planned to make amends this offseason. They looked for top outfielders, especially lefty sluggers, that would suit the Yankee stadium perfectly.

Who could have been a better deal than Juan Soto in that respect? After landing the Dominican superstar and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees outfield looks far more solid. However, Brian Cashman would not mind taking the opportunity to increase depth in every department of their roster. They still need to find a dependable starting pitcher. Anyhow, lately, the Bronx Bombers are trying to reunite with the infielder Gio Urshela. But they have stiff competition from their city rival as well as the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Angels.

   

Yankees Might Lose The Urshela Deal To The Marlins Or The Angels

Brian Cashman Yankees GM
Brian Cashman Yankees GM Source: Fox News

On Wednesday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that three teams stand out in case of showing interest to land Gio Urshela. These three teams are the New York Yankees and the New York Mets as well as the Miami Marlins. However, the New York franchises might get a piece of bad news regarding their offers to the infielder. Lately, Bryan Hoch, Yankees reporter for MLB.com, wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the Angels and the Marlins have made a better offer to Urshela at this point in time. However, only a few days remaining before the start of the Spring Training. But Gio Urshela still remains unsigned.

He has got to make a quick decision to join the spring training. Anyway, Urshela is a strong defender who can make above-average contributions at the plate. Hence, any team would be lucky to have him. Reuniting with Urshela would give the Yankees insurance at third base and infield. They indeed have DJ LeMahieu. On the other hand, the NY Mets would get some insurance around the infield and at third base as well. They also have Brett Baty. But in case Baty and DJ get injured or fail to perform as expected. Anyway, Gio Urshela might be looking for an even clearer path to play time and more money as well. 

How Good Urshela Really Is?

Gio Urshela Yankees
Gio Urshela Yankees Source: ESPN

In 2023, Gio played with the LA Angels. After 228 plate appearances, Urshela hit .299 and 24 RBI with a couple of home runs. Gio Urshela’s offense is worth a 91 OPS+. But the strongest point of Urshela is his defensive versatility. He played at both first and third base as well as a shortstop last year.

But he had strong marks at third base. Gio is 32 years old. He may not get back his offensive peak while he played for the Yankees. Representing the Bronx Bombers, Urshela slugged .292 in 1,092 plate appearances with 41 home runs and a 119 OPS+ from 2019 to 2021. Later, in 2022, with the Minnesota Twins, Urshela displayed yet another above-average offensive upside.

Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.