The Yankees now have 72 hours to decide on Kole Calhoun after he opted out of his minor-league deal. The veteran outfielder has decided to use an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the New York Yankees to get out of the deal, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com. The Yankees must decide whether to put him on the squad or let him go.
Kole Calhoun, who is 35 years old, has made a big effect in Scranton. He has a notable batting line of .293/.402/.561 and has hit four home runs, six doubles, and a couple of triples in 97 at-bats so far.
Kole Calhoun has spent most of his professional career with the Angels. From 2013 to 2020, he established himself as a usually good right fielder known for his excellent defense. During this time, he had 4,183 plate appearances and a batting average of .249, a percentage of being on the base of .324, and a slugging percentage of .431. He also hit 156 home runs. Kole Calhoun has also won a Gold Glove award, which he did in 2015.
He has shown he can hit more than 25 home runs in a season twice when he hit 26 in 2015 and 33 during the power-filled 2019 season. Aside from those unusual years, he has usually hit between 15 and 20 home runs every year. Kole Calhoun’s skills seem to fit well with the dimensions of Yankee Stadium, given that he tends to hit for power to the pull side, should the Yankees decide to add the experienced veteran to their big league squad.
Throughout the 2023 season, the collective performance of the New York Yankees‘ outfielders has been dishearteningly lackluster. As a group, they have struggled at the plate, collectively posting a batting average of .218, an on-base percentage of .284, and a slugging percentage of .417. This underwhelming production translates to a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 91, which places them tied for 23rd in Major League Baseball.
The bulk of the limited offensive output has predominantly stemmed from the efforts of Aaron Judge, who has displayed a respectable .262 batting average, an impressive .385 on-base percentage, and a formidable .627 slugging percentage. Additionally, Harrison Bader, who unfortunately experienced another injury setback, has contributed with a batting line of .261/.290/.511.
Since Giancarlo Stanton has only been at the plate 21 times so far, the New York Yankees have had to put together their outfield using a rotating group of utility players, journeyman veterans, and people who don’t do much. Unfortunately, none of the players, including Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Aaron Hicks, Franchy Cordero, Willie Calhoun, and Oswaldo Cabrera, have done anything particularly useful. Also, new players like Jake Bauers and Greg Allen don’t have a long history in the big leagues, which makes it harder to be optimistic about their contributions.
In a big move, the New York Yankees sent Franchy Cordero and Oswaldo Cabrera to Triple-A. This could make it easier for Giancarlo Stanton, Josh Donaldson, and relief pitcher Tommy Kahnle to come back. This expected return will give the team one more bat that can play in the center. But since most of the Yankees’ present corner outfielders aren’t very good, there’s a strong case for giving veteran outfielder Kole Calhoun a chance instead of letting him go to free agency.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
I don’t know what Cashman is thinking. Should have give Calhoun a chance when he brought up Cordero. Give this guy a chance!
Given all the facts stated here, the Yankees would be missing an opportunity and risk looking foolish if they don’t call him up, and instead, lose him to another team.
Where do you get your writers? They clearly aren’t experienced in writing about baseball.
Where do you get your writers? They clearly aren’t experienced in writing about baseball. Then, you block my comment. You claim I already said that. Really?
Left Field has been a disaster and managed poorly. It’s a revolving door of poor production. Cashman and Boone are to blame. Pick a starter or 2 man platoon and stick with it. The Yankee line up changes every game. A lot of that have to do with the fact that no one can stay healthy, but it also has to do with Boone making moves just to make moves. Stanton/Allen/IKF Platoon for LF and DH. Then, LEAVE IT ALONE!
Judge hitting only . 262? Check your facts dude.
Calhoun is too old… have younger options and can look at the All Star Break if needed. Play IKF, Bauers and Oswaldo
Yes definitely bring up Calhoun,Bauer’s hasn’t done much and you can send him back to the minors,I think Calhoun can be the outfielder we have been looking for,plus he has a good glove.