The New York Yankees acquired outfielder Cam Eden from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for monetary considerations, the team announced earlier today. He is a 26-year-old outfielder with tremendous speed but a weak bat who should give much-needed outfield depth to their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton. There isn’t much contact or power to speak of here, but the Yankees may see something in the blazing-fast outfielder on the offensive side of the ball that we do not.
Eden, a right-handed batter and thrower, made his Major League debut last season, getting his first hit and run for Toronto.
Despite posting just an 81 wRC+ in Triple-A last season, Cam Eden managed to swipe 53 bases in 131 games, getting caught only four times. Eden is a quick outfielder capable of playing all three outfield positions and causing trouble on the bases. However, his hitting ability leaves much to be desired.
Eden’s contact skills are below average, with a strikeout rate exceeding 27% this season, and his power is minimal. His performance at the plate has declined further this season, with a 62 wRC+ and a .299 OBP in the offense-friendly International League.
Additionally, his 26 steals in 33 attempts mark a step back from last year. This move appears more about adding organizational depth than anything with significant Major League impact.
With outfielders like Brandon Lockridge traded at the deadline and Everson Pereira sidelined for the season with a UCL injury, it makes sense to bolster the Triple-A outfield depth.
With some infield experience, he may be a useful player for the Yankees on the diamond, but his lack of offensive performance in the upper Minors isn’t promising.
There is always a need for speed, particularly in an organization like the Yankees, which has a lot of slower players at the Major League level.
