The rumour that utilityman Kiké Hernández received a $4 million offer from the New York Yankees spurred discussion about the team’s interest in acquiring a depth player for their bench. Despite being a lock to make the team as a reserve infielder, Oswald Peraza doesn’t seem to be in the organization’s plans anymore. Gio Urshela and Tony Kemp, for example, were believed to be better prospects and would have taken up spots on the 26-man roster, pushing Peraza to Triple-A.
Donovan Solano’s infield versatility and great at-bat skills make him an excellent fit for the Yankees’ bench, though it’s uncertain if they will acquire further infield depth via free agency. The 36-year-old isn’t a spectacular player, but he has been a reliable bat at the plate, and he might give the Yankees much-needed infield protection.
Donovan Solano Might Increase Yankees Depth in the Infield
Donovan Solano, one of the most underappreciated hitters in baseball last season, led the Minnesota Twins to a career year with a 116 wRC+ and a.369 OBP thanks to in-season adjustments. He was able to produce a 123 wRC+ and.376 OBP from May 22nd onward and gain more opportunities with the Twins in their lineup by adding a leg kick mid-season. Even though the Yankees aren’t able to offer a starting position, their infield injuries make it necessary to bolster their depth.
Injuries that terminated the season in 2021 and 2022 prevented DJ LeMahieu from participating in the postseason, and the toe injury appeared to have an impact on him throughout the first half of the previous year. While the Yankees are pleased with his current level of fitness, it is unreasonable to expect the 36-year-old to play flawlessly throughout the season and to completely rule out the possibility of a setback. There is reason to be skeptical about the optimism surrounding LeMahieu since father time is unbeatable.
The injuries don’t stop there. Anthony Rizzo has often struggled with back issues despite being fantastic in Spring Training after suffering a serious concussion the previous season. It would also be helpful to have a ready replacement at first base in case the Yankees lost him, even for a few weeks. Although prospects like Jorbit Vivas and Ben Rice haven’t shown much in Triple-A, they could still prove to be valuable assets to the Yankees during the season if they accelerate their development.
Solano gives the Yankees a hitter with a high on-base percentage (OBP) who can bat wherever in the lineup, depending on what the club needs. In an emergency, Donovan Solano may bat first for the Yankees if they aren’t getting any production there. Alternatively, they may place him in the bottom third of the order to add depth to their lineup.
The team would have more depth if they had a bat this good on hand to support the infield. In addition, it would allow them to have a backup bat in case something were to happen to one of their starters. Good position players are hard to come by, and injuries can decimate a squad at any time. They can move him about the field according to their needs and give the team’s older players rest days because he can hold it down at first base, second base, and third base.
Solano can play three places in the infield and isn’t very good at any of them, but he does contribute some defensive value while playing average to below-average defence at those three spots. What the right-handed infielder demands in his free agency is the key determinant of whether or not the Yankees sign him. The Yankees should be able to afford Solano, even with that 110% tax, if the asking price is comparable to Kiké Hernández’s $4 million.
This free agent won’t drastically alter your lineup or pitching staff, but Donovan Solano is a solid backup option who can maintain their offence in top form in the event of an emergency.
