It’s fair to say the New York Yankees didn’t love what they saw from most of their reserve outfielders in spring training.
They held a three-way battle between Willie Calhoun, Rafael Ortega and Estevan Florial for one spot on the major league roster to open the season.
Calhoun was optioned to Triple-A, Ortega was released, and Florial made the roster.
However, he did it with a .536 OPS in the spring after years of failures in MLB.
It’s safe to say the Yankees don’t feel entirely comfortable, so they decided to bring in another body with MLB experience and some upside.
“Outfielder Franchy Cordero and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a major league contract, sources tell ESPN. It’s a split deal that will pay $1 million in the big leagues and $180,000 in the minors. Barring another move, Cordero would be on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster,” MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted.
Outfielder Franchy Cordero and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a major league contract, sources tell ESPN. It’s a split deal that will pay $1 million in the big leagues and $180,000 in the minors. Barring another move, Cordero would be on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
—Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 29, 2023
This would not be the first time Cordero teases a big breakout with an impressive spring, only to disappoint when games matter.
The Yankees, however, are willing to see if this time is for real or if it’s a mirage.
He is 28, and was recently released by the Baltimore Orioles after a marvelous spring.
Cordero slashed .413/.426/.674 with seven extra-base hits in 47 plate appearances.
However, in 275 plate appearances with the Boston Red Sox last year, he hit .219/.300/.397 with eight home runs.
He is not expected to play much initially barring an injury, as the Yankees have Aaron Judge, Aaron Hicks, Giancarlo Stanton, Oswaldo Cabrera and Florial all healthy and Harrison Bader will eventually return.
If he hits, however, the Yanks will find a spot for him.
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