The Yankees have been pursuing Amed Rosario several times in recent years.
Rosario, deemed the utility player the Yankees needed since Oswald Cabrera’s ankle injury in May, was acquired from the Nationals on Saturday night. The trade involved sending pitcher Clayton Beter and 18-year-old outfielder Browm Martinez to Washington.
After landing from the airport just before the game, Rosario, a right-handed hitter, is expected to be available off the bench against the Phillies in the series finale on Sunday. He might share third base duties with left-handed batter Ryan McMahon.
However, Rosario can also fill an outfield position or cover second base, as manager Aaron Boone noted on Sunday, calling him a valuable asset for pinch-hitting.
“He brings defensive flexibility, speed, and, well, a left-handed bat,” Boone pointed out. “So, I think he adds to our bench and overall roster balance. We should be able to use him in ways that can help us, and I really believe he’s going to make a difference.”
Rosario has had a solid season with the Nationals, hitting .270 with a .736 OPS in 46 games. Against left-handed pitchers, he holds a .298 batting average and .799 OPS, which is likely how the Yankees plan to utilize him.
“We can definitely see him playing against lefties and using his defensive skills, as he’s a really versatile player for us off the bench,” Boone added.
Regarding Rosario’s ability to play shortstop, a position he filled with the Mets, it’s worth noting that he has only started 11 games there since early 2024 and hasn’t played much since last August.
But if he can serve as a backup to Anthony Volpe, it could ease the pressure on Oswald Peraza, particularly since they’ve had some issues there.
“We’ve started to see glimpses of him at short. He hasn’t been around as much lately,” Boone said. “It’s certainly possible, but I see him more as a corner infielder and outfielder.”
