The Yankees are actively exploring options to bolster their infield, with Bob Nightengale of USA Today reporting that they have engaged in discussions with free agent Brendan Rodgers. While the timing and seriousness of these talks remain unclear, the move aligns with the Yankees’ offseason efforts to solidify their roster.
Yankees considering Brendan Rodgers as infield option
Rodgers, 28, entered the league with significant hype, drafted third overall by the Rockies in 2015. Widely regarded as one of baseball’s brightest prospects, he ranked in Baseball America’s top 25 prospects from 2017 to 2020. Despite this promise, his performance in the majors has fallen short of expectations.
Between 2021 and 2022, Rodgers posted a .274/.326/.434 slash line, though it translated to a below-average 95 wRC+ due to Coors Field’s hitter-friendly reputation. However, his strong defense at second base earned praise, with FanGraphs crediting him with 3.1 WAR across those seasons and Baseball Reference awarding an even higher 4.3 WAR in 2022. The disparity stems from differing defensive metrics, as Rodgers’ Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) for 2022 was an impressive 22, while his Outs Above Average (OAA) was just 3. This standout DRS season appears to be an outlier compared to his career norms.
Injuries have hampered Rodgers’ progress. A dislocated shoulder in 2023 sidelined him for most of the season, limiting him to 46 games and a .258/.313/.388 slash line (78 wRC+). He improved slightly in 2024, producing a .267/.314/.407 line with an 88 wRC+. Encouragingly, his second-half surge, driven by a strong August, showed promise. His .275/.325/.441 line during that stretch brought him to a league-average 100 wRC+, although his performance remained inconsistent.
Rodgers has consistently excelled against left-handed pitchers, hitting .311/.364/.455 (117 wRC+) in 2024 and .298/.359/.484 (120 wRC+) for his career. This strength could make him a valuable platoon option alongside Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has struggled against lefties with a career .224/.281/.364 line (76 wRC+).
Why the Yankees are interested
Cost is likely a factor in the Yankees’ interest. The Rockies non-tendered Rodgers despite his affordable $5.5 million arbitration projection, making him a budget-friendly option. With the Yankees’ payroll already surpassing $303 million, exceeding MLB’s top competitive balance tax tier, affordable additions are crucial. As a third-time luxury tax payor, the Yankees face a 110% penalty on any additional spending.
While high-profile names like Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado are available, their costs remain prohibitive. Rodgers offers a lower-cost alternative with potential upside. His youth, defensive versatility, and pedigree as a former top prospect could make him a valuable asset for the Yankees as they seek to strengthen their infield for the 2025 season.
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