Just when we thought the Yankees would reunion with Matt Carpenter, the 37-year-old veteran is headed to San Diego. According to The New York Post’s Jon Heyman, Carpenter signed a one-year deal with the Padres, with a player option for 2024 that guarantees him $12 million. So Carpenter's gonzo; what's next for the Yankees?
"The Yankees and the 37-year-old Carpenter talked about a reunion, according to sources, but with Anthony Rizzo at first base and Giancarlo Stanton at DH, there was no clear spot on the roster. Carpenter had a stunning comeback last season after being released by the Cardinals following two subpar years in St. Louis," reported the Post. Recall that Carpenter gave the Yankees much needed life when the injury bug bit the team mid-season. Carpenter homered in his second game as a Yankee and hit 15 home runs in 154 plate appearances. And even when the team came off the IL, Carpenter remained relevant and stayed in the line up until he was hit by a pitch in August, breaking his foot.
With Carpenter gone, Andrew Benintendi off to the Chicago White Sox in a five-year, $75 million deal, the Yankees have to make another move to fill that big hole in left field. Or do they? What about 23-year-old phenom Oswaldo Cabrera? Another guy who came in when the Yankees were down, Cabrera represents the Yankees' future. Homegrown, and ready for more consistent reps in the lineup, Cabrera could serve as a utility player, sure, but why not the Yankees full time left fielder?
"Across every defensive alignment, he produced 13 defensive runs saved above average, including nine in the outfield, specifically (under 500 total innings, which is incredible). Showcasing solid arm strength and phenomenal athleticism, Cabrera transitioned to a position he had never played before with ease, justifying more playing time in 2023. Offensively, there’s a lot left to be desired from the switch hitter, finishing with a .247 batting average and 31.2% on-base rate. In 44 games, he hit six homers with 19 RBIs and a 25.7% strikeout rate," reported Empire Sports Media.
The Yankees are not done yet and now that free agents are dwindling, and the year is coming to an end, spring training is not that far off. Stepping away from the past, thinking about their future, the Yankees need to consider who they have in their arsenal, who they can position into utility spots and who they need to go out and get. If they want another pure hitter like Carpenter, they may need to trade for a replacement bat. Who that might be? Not sure. But it sure has me thinking...
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
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