The Yankees might have to attend till after the lockout to totally handle an absence of depth in middle subject, however for now, they’re taking an opportunity on a three-time Gold Glover.
The crew signed Ender Inciarte to a minor league contract on Wednesday, in accordance with its transactions web page. The transfer can occur in the course of the lockout as a result of Inciarte was not on a 40-man roster to finish final season.
The 31-year-old Inciarte, who was an All-Star in 2017, has spent eight seasons within the large leagues, batting .280 with 118 steals and a 91 OPS-plus. However he’s higher recognized for his protection in middle subject, which earned him Gold Gloves in three straight seasons from 2016-18, all whereas enjoying for the Braves.
Since his final Gold Glove season, although, Inciarte’s protection has fallen off in accordance with superior metrics. After piling up 35 defensive runs saved from 2016-18, in accordance with FanGraphs, he mixed for -1 defensive run saved from 2019-21 whereas additionally battling accidents.
Final season, Inciarte performed simply 52 video games for the Braves earlier than they designated him for task in July. He then performed for the Reds’ Triple-A affiliate earlier than being launched close to the top of August.
The Yankees relied closely on Brett Gardner in middle subject final season because the 38-year-old made 92 begins there with Aaron Hicks restricted to simply 32 video games earlier than present process season-ending wrist surgical procedure. Gardner is at the moment a free agent, whereas Hicks recently played a stint of winter ball in the Dominican Republic to assist knock some rust off.
“I feel I have to discover middle subject as a chance, as effectively,” common supervisor Brian Cashman stated in November. “If there’s issues that make sense there for us as a result of, clearly, Aaron has had the final variety of years [a history] of damage.”
Along with Inciarte, the Yankees additionally signed middle fielder Blake Perkins, shortstop Wilkerman Garcia and right-hander Vinny Nittoli to minor league offers.
