PORT ST. LUCIE — Both New York teams continue to try to find a righty-hitting bat as spring training nears conclusion, with the Mets emphasizing an infielder and the Yankees looking for an infielder and/or corner outfielder.
Interestingly both teams had a shot at signing or re-signing Jose Iglesias to fill just this role and passed. Iglesias instead signed a minor league deal on March 8 with the Padres that will be worth $3 million in the majors. The indicators are that he is going to make the Padres.
Both New York teams, the Yankees particularly, have been inclined against adding significantly to the payroll to fill these roles. Both are over the top luxury tax so, for example, if either were to trade for infielder Santiago Espinal, who is viewed as available by the Reds in the right situations., it would cost them not just his $2.4 million 2025 salary, but a 100 percent tax. Thus, he would be roughly a $5 million addition and, therefore, doubtful for either New York club.
The Mets have held off announcing an Opening Day roster, in part, because they are open to adding a righty infield bat, which almost certainly would lead to Luisangel Acuna being sent to Triple-A. It appears the Mets are comfortable opening the season with Brett Baty on the roster as their second baseman against most righties and a lefty bat off the bench. If the Mets do not secure the infielder in the next 72-ish hours, Acuna will probably start Opening Day against Astros lefty ace Framber Valdez.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
