LATEST RUMOR: YANKEES INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH FORMER THIRD BASEMAN

I want a starting pitcher. The Yankees NEED a starting pitcher, but you won't find that good news on your social media feed right now. Instead, I found something else. It's not my first choice but it did bring back some nostalgic feelings.

In addition to solid pitching, we need some hitters because Juan Soto alone isn't going to cut it. The Yankees are interested in a reunion with Gio Urshela, find the details HERE. He may not be that bright shiny stud we have been hoping for all winter BUT the guy can hit and was consistent when he was with us. 

Hindsight is 20-20, but now that Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Josh Donaldson are gone it's another example of how dumb Brian Cashman is. Donaldson was never a good move and most of us hated it as soon as the trade happened. Nothing against IKF, he did everything we asked of him but getting rid of Urshela made the Yankees weaker.

In two seasons since Urshela was traded he batted .290 with 54 extra-base hits, including 15 home runs, 88 RBI and four stolen bases. This is the kind of production the Yankees desperately need. He may not be a shiny superstar, but we don't need a lineup of superstars, just guys that can hit. We have a bunch of guys that don't hit or score runs. 

If Urshela is healthy again, he could be a nice addition to the lineup. His 2023 season ended prematurely in June after he fell awkwardly at first base and suffered a fractured pelvis.  Thankfully, he didn't need surgery. As good as Soto is, he doesn't save the anemic offense. Urshela's bat is valuable, but he's also a good fielder and a good clubhouse guy, and you can never have enough of those. He gives more versatility to the Yankees. We know DJ LeMahieu is likely to miss time at third and who knows if Anthony Rizzo can bounce back and stay healthy. It's a good depth move, and we always need that.

If the Yankees have no other big moves in their back pocket, this could be a good move for the Yankees. I still want a big splash, but I don't think the Yankees will do it. This does help improve the team and we know what Urshela can do. Of course, there are other teams interested, the Mets, Angels and Marlins but it is believed the Angels and Marlins have made better offers.

Hopefully Urshela wants to come back home. It wouldn't be the move I dreamed of, but we've always loved Urshela.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj