Two Notable Ex-Red Sox Reportedly Linked To Yankees In Free Agency

The New York Yankees already signed a former Red Sox player this offseason, but the reigning American League champions might not be done leaning on that trend.

New York expressed interest in both Kiké Hernández and Yoán Moncada, per Mark W. Sanchez of the New York Post. Hernández, now 33 years old with two rings, is fresh off helping the Dodgers defeat the Yankees in the 2024 World Series. Moncada, meanwhile, received a $5 million buyout from the White Sox after Chicago declined the 29-year-old’s contract option in November.

General manager Brian Cashman finalized several notable transactions including signing starting pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who New York signed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal. It doesn’t live up to the free agency vacuuming from the Dodgers, but Cashman has demonstrated a willingness to keep the Yankees in the running next season.

Even as the clean slate nears, Cashman and the pinstripes aren’t content yet.

Hernández, who shook off boos from Yankee Stadium last October, was linked to The Bronx last offseason as well. The Yankees were among several finalists to sign the veteran utility infielder, but Hernández elected to return to Los Angeles on a one-year, $4 million contract. New York seems to have a much better chance this go-round as the Dodgers have nearly emptied the open market while leaving Hernández available to meet with any team in the league.

The longtime Dodger batted .229/.281/.373 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs across 126 games, primarily playing third base with appearances at first base, second base, shortstop, the outfield and on the mound (four) as well.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman addressed Hernández’s availability, which isn’t a promising sign for New York’s potential pursuit.

“The door will never be closed on Kiké,” Friedman said at Dodgers Fan Fest.

Moncada, after being a participant in Chicago’s 121-loss campaign last season, hasn’t generated much buzz. Moncada was limited to just 12 games with the White Sox in 2024 due to a left adductor strain in early April. From there, Chicago made the easy choice to not pick up Moncada’s $25 million club option for 2025.

The switch-hitting infielder/designated hitter broke out with the White Sox in 2023 by batting a career-best .315 with a career-high 25 home runs, finishing 21st in the AL MVP voting poll. Moncada has since experienced a slow decline and has failed to tally a home run total in the double digits for the past five seasons.

If anything, Moncada could become New York’s latest low-risk, high-potential signee. Moncada’s stock has plummeted to an all-time low and if the nine-year veteran wants to fare better in free agency, perhaps taking a one-year deal to re-tool and improve before next offseason is the way to go.

It’s been seven years since Moncada last played third base so if the Yankees do want him for infield depth, second base would be Moncada’s most likely position.

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