Gio Urshela Yankees
Gio Urshela Yankees Source: Sports Illustrated

The New York Yankees are coming off a terrible 2023 season. They finished with an awful 82-80 record. It was a wake-up call for the NY side. Now, the fans wish to see their favorite team try to win the AL East division in 2024. After finishing with the second-worst batting average in 2023, the Bronx Bombers knew exactly what they had to do this offseason. Moreover, the front office decided to make some significant changes this offseason. That’s what they did. Hence, it makes perfect sense why the fans can even hope for their team to think about winning their division.

Clearly, the biggest addition for the NY Yankees this winter was the Dominican superstar Juan Soto. As his agent Scott Boras puts it, “Soto is an offense in itself.” He sure is the best offensive hitter in baseball right now. Moreover, the Yankees batting order with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto looks very promising. They can do enough damage to the opponent. But the NY side would like to get more depth for their outfield as well as infield this offseason as much as possible. They are getting ready for the soon-starting spring training.

   

Yankees Will Fight Their City Rival For Infielder Gio Urshela

Steve Cohen
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As per MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the New York Mets and their city rival are going all-in for the versatile infielder free agent Gio Urshela. Besides the franchises from New York, the Miami Marlins also showed interest in the versatile infielder. Gio is 32 years old. He could not play the whole 2023 season. Back in June, Gio suffered because of a fractured left pelvis. However, before he sustained that injury, Gio Urshela slugged .299/.329/.374 in 62 games along with a couple of homers. Moreover, he started games at all four spots in the infield. On top of that, in 2022, Urshela was able to play a full season.

He hit .285/.338/.429 in 144 games, representing the Minnesota Twins. In 2022, Urshela also hit 13 home runs and 27 doubles. Anyway, if Gio Urshela joins either of the New York franchises, he would get a bench role. But he would enter these teams in their spring training. Moreover, the NY Mets would benefit greatly if they could acquire Gio Urshela. They have locked first, and second bases as well as the shortstop. Apparently, the Mets are ready to give Brett Baty a perfect chance at third base. It is up to Baty if he sinks or swims in at third base. 

How Would Urshela Help The New York Teams?

Gio Urshela Yankees
Gio Urshela Yankees Source: ESPN

The NY Mets would like Brett Baty to succeed at third base. But then he might struggle in that position. On top of that, the Mets might use Mark Vientos in the role of the designated hitter. Hence, if the Mets can land Urshela, then he might be a viable option for the role of the regular third-base hitter.

On the other hand, the NY Yankees are pretty familiar with Gio Urshela since his time with them between 2019 and 2021. Anyway, the Bronx Bombers are all set at the four starting infield positions. Now, only time can say if they can play without sustaining injuries. 

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