Another potential target for the New York Yankees was taken off the market on January 6, as Gavin Lux was traded to the Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees are in need of an infielder, and the longer they wait to secure one through free agency or a trade, the slimmer the chances of adding a new face in the Bronx this spring.
The available options for the Yankees are shrinking. They could get creative by signing a player capable of playing multiple positions, such as Jurickson Profar, or pursue a proven second or third baseman.
Focusing on Profar, he initially played as an infielder before transitioning to a nearly full-time outfield role. The Yankees might view him as a dual-purpose solution, as he could play left field—where there might be a need—and also serve as a second baseman when required.
Profar’s contract likely won’t be too expensive, which could make him an appealing option for the Yankees. As a switch-hitter who posted a career-high 137 OPS+ last year, he may be worth their investment.
Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report predicted that Profar would land a two-year, $34 million deal in free agency, an amount the Yankees could afford.
“Just one year after being released by the Colorado Rockies, Profar had the best season of his career, hitting 24 homers, driving in 85 RBIs, walking 76 times, and posting an .839 OPS. Not only did he make his first All-Star team, but he also won a Silver Slugger.
Still, after a disappointing 2023 season with the Rockies, teams may have some reservations. Is he better than what he showed in 2023? Absolutely. Will he replicate his 2024 performance? Probably not,” Kelly noted on January 6.
What Is Profar Looking For?
Profar’s strong 2024 campaign has put him in a good position to secure a salary increase, entering free agency after his best season.
The Yankees will need to meet his market value, but he could end up being one of the under-the-radar signings of the offseason.
If Profar posts a .280/.380/.459 line with 24 home runs and offers defensive versatility, he could be worth more than the projected $34 million over two years.
Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Profar is seeking a three-year deal. If his annual average value (AAV) reaches $17 million as predicted, his total contract could exceed $50 million, though AAV will be a crucial factor.
“Profar, who’s coming off a .280/.380/.459 season with 24 home runs, is also aiming for a multi-year deal,” Passan wrote on December 19.
Yankees Linked to Profar
Signing Profar would make a lot of sense for the Yankees, as he could provide the most value among the remaining available players.
As a switch-hitter with defensive flexibility, Profar would be a good fit at Yankee Stadium. Given the price, the Yankees shouldn’t expect to find a much better option.
According to Baseball Savant, Profar would have hit 19 home runs at Yankee Stadium in 2024. While his power numbers may dip, that’s to be expected, as 24 home runs were the highest of his career in a season.
Nonetheless, Profar has the ability to hit and would be a welcome addition to the Yankees’ lineup.
Theo DeRosa of MLB.com considers Profar a “realistic fit” for the Yankees, noting how he could contribute to the team.
“The Yankees have already made a number of big moves (such as signing Max Fried, trading for Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger, and agreeing to a deal with Paul Goldschmidt), but adding another big bat could enhance their lineup. Profar, a switch-hitter, could slot into left field but could also contribute in the infield, where he began his career. After a breakout year with the Padres, hitting .280 with 24 homers and an .839 OPS, he could be the right fit for the Yankees, who have long been admirers of his versatile game,” DeRosa wrote on December 28.
