The New York Yankees are continuing their search for infield upgrades as spring training approaches. While Alex Bregman remains unsigned, he’s reportedly leaning toward the Boston Red Sox as his preferred destination.
However, the Yankees may shift their focus to another infielder from the American League West. Over the past three seasons, Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels has shown significant growth after a slow start to his career.
Last season, the Venezuelan infielder posted a .300 batting average in 283 at-bats, hitting six home runs and driving in 30 RBIs. He had a solid .264 average in 2022 and 2023, with 16-17 home runs and over 50 RBIs each year.
Defensively, Rengifo is known for his athleticism and versatility, excelling at both left-side infield positions as well as second base. With the Yankees in need of upgrades at second and third base, Rengifo could be an ideal fit.A potential trade could look like this:
New York Yankees acquire: INF Luis Rengifo
Los Angeles Angels acquire: LHP Brock Selvidge (Yankees No. 7 prospect), INF Jorbit Vivas (Yankees No. 17 prospect), RHP Yoendrys Gómez (Yankees No. 20 prospect)
This deal would go through on the condition that the Yankees extend Rengifo and avoid him hitting free agency. Consequently, the Angels would receive a larger package than typical for a player in their final year of arbitration. For the Angels, Selvidge and Gómez would join their Triple-A rotation, with Gómez potentially debuting later in 2025.
Vivas, also a Triple-A player, could reach the majors by season’s end. For the Yankees, acquiring Rengifo would provide a versatile infielder capable of consistently making contact at the plate, with the potential for several years of team control. At a market value of $15 million per year, Rengifo’s price is well within the Yankees’ budget.
