The New York Yankees are in the midst of a pivotal offseason, looking to bolster their roster after a disappointing 2023 campaign that saw them fall short of playoff expectations. One of the most pressing needs for the Yankees is to improve their infield, which has been a mix of inconsistency, injuries, and unfulfilled potential in recent seasons. With a handful of intriguing free-agent and trade targets available, the Yankees will need to make shrewd decisions to avoid repeating the mistakes of recent years.
In this blog post, we’ll break down four infielders the Yankees should strongly consider adding, as well as two they should avoid, to ensure they remain competitive in the American League East.
### 4 Infielders the Yankees Should Consider
#### 1. **Matt Chapman (3B)**
Matt Chapman, the three-time Gold Glove third baseman, is a prime candidate for the Yankees to target this offseason. Chapman is known for his elite defense, consistently ranking among the best in the league at third base. His ability to make highlight-reel plays and prevent runs from scoring would immediately improve a Yankees infield that has struggled defensively at times, especially on the left side of the diamond.
On top of his defensive prowess, Chapman brings considerable pop to the lineup. While his batting average has fluctuated over the years, his power remains consistent. In 2023, Chapman hit 27 home runs and posted an OPS of .783, which is above-average production for a third baseman. With the Yankees’ short porch in right field, his left-handed swing could be even more of an asset at Yankee Stadium.
What makes Chapman an ideal fit is his defensive ability, which would allow the Yankees to focus on improving other areas of the infield, especially at shortstop and second base. Adding Chapman would solidify third base for years to come, and his leadership and clubhouse presence would be a bonus.
#### 2. **Yandy Díaz (1B/3B)**
Yandy Díaz may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking about infield upgrades, but he’s a quietly productive player who could fit the Yankees’ needs. The Tampa Bay Rays slugger has played primarily at first base and third base, giving him the flexibility to be used at multiple positions. Díaz is a contact hitter with an excellent batting eye and consistently posts an on-base percentage well above .400.
In 2023, Díaz hit .296 with an on-base percentage of .401, making him one of the toughest players to strike out in baseball. He also posted an impressive .927 OPS, a solid figure for a power-hitting first baseman or third baseman. Díaz would fit perfectly into a Yankees lineup that has at times lacked consistent on-base presence and contact hitters.
Defensively, while Díaz is not a Gold Glove-caliber player, he is capable at both corners of the infield, and his versatility gives the Yankees the option to use him in various spots if needed. With the Yankees’ emphasis on adding more contact-oriented players to balance out their power-heavy lineup, Díaz would be a great addition.
#### 3. **Gleyber Torres (2B) – Extension Candidate**
While Gleyber Torres has been a fixture of the Yankees’ infield for several seasons, his future with the team is uncertain as he enters the final years of his current contract. Rather than looking elsewhere for a second baseman, the Yankees should consider locking up Torres long-term with an extension.
Torres had a strong 2023 season, hitting 26 home runs and driving in 76 RBIs while posting an OPS of .809. His bat is one of the better ones in the Yankees’ lineup, and he continues to provide solid production from the second base position. More importantly, Torres has shown consistent improvement defensively, handling second base with competence, particularly in comparison to some of his previous years.
Torres may never be the flashy superstar some hoped he would become when he first arrived in the Bronx, but he’s a solid, reliable player who fills an important role. His ability to be a key offensive contributor while maintaining adequate defense at second base makes him a valuable asset for the Yankees in the coming years. An extension could be a win-win for both sides, keeping a steady hand in the middle of the diamond while allowing the Yankees to focus on upgrading other positions.
#### 4. **Dansby Swanson (SS)**
Shortstop is a major area of concern for the Yankees, and while the team has some internal options, there’s no denying that the Yankees could use a high-level, all-around player at the position. Dansby Swanson, coming off a stellar 2023 campaign with the Chicago Cubs, should be at the top of their list.
Swanson brings a well-rounded skill set, excelling both offensively and defensively. Defensively, he is one of the top shortstops in the game, consistently ranking among the best in the league for his range, arm strength, and ability to turn double plays. In 2023, Swanson had 18 home runs, 83 RBIs, and a solid .776 OPS, all while playing exceptional defense. His ability to provide power from the shortstop position while also being an elite defender would immediately improve the Yankees’ infield.
Swanson’s left-handed bat would also play well in Yankee Stadium, where his line-drive approach could take advantage of the short porch in right field. Adding Swanson would immediately shore up one of the Yankees’ weakest spots and give them an elite talent for years to come.
### 2 Infielders the Yankees Should Avoid
#### 1. **Evan Longoria (3B)**
While Evan Longoria has had a brilliant career, he’s no longer the dynamic player he once was. The Yankees should avoid pursuing the aging third baseman, despite his potential for a solid veteran presence. Longoria is coming off a season in which he hit 16 home runs and posted an OPS of .732 for the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his production has steadily declined in recent years. At 38 years old, he is not the long-term solution for a team like the Yankees, who need to find younger, more dynamic talent to build around.
Defensively, Longoria can still provide value, but he’s no longer the elite third baseman he once was. The Yankees need to be focused on adding players who are on the upswing of their careers, and Longoria simply doesn’t fit that mold. For a team with championship aspirations, signing a player like Longoria, who is at the tail end of his career, would not be the best investment.
#### 2. **Luis Arraez (2B/1B)**
Luis Arraez is an incredible hitter—there’s no denying that. The reigning AL batting champion posted an astonishing .354 average for the Miami Marlins in 2023, and his ability to get on base is exceptional. However, despite his elite contact skills, Arraez doesn’t offer the Yankees the power or defensive consistency they need at second base or first base.
Arraez has no significant power numbers to speak of, hitting only 5 home runs in 2023. His lack of extra-base pop is a glaring concern for a Yankees team that relies on power to fuel its offense. Defensively, Arraez is a solid player but far from elite, and his lack of range at second base would be an issue in the high-pressure environment of Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees would likely get better value from other infield options who can provide more balance in their offensive and defensive profiles. While Arraez is undoubtedly a talented player, his skill set doesn’t align with what the Yankees need to fill out their infield, especially given the other potential upgrades available on the market.
### Conclusion
The Yankees are at a crossroads with their infield and will need to make smart, strategic decisions in free agency or trade to get back to championship contention. Players like Matt Chapman, Yandy Díaz, Gleyber Torres (with an extension), and Dansby Swanson offer the Yankees stability, versatility, and power in their infield, helping to address multiple areas of concern. On the other hand, veterans like Evan Longoria and Luis Arraez may be tempting but ultimately don’t offer the type of long-term upside or balanced skill set that the Yankees need to complete their roster for the future.
With a bit of focus and careful planning, the Yankees can significantly improve their infield and position themselves to compete for another World Series title in 2024 and beyond.