Port St. Lucy – The New York team continues to try and find the right hit as spring training is approaching conclusions, with the Mets highlighting that the infielders and Yankees are looking for infielders and corner outfielders.
Interestingly, both teams made the shot by signing or re-signing Jose Iglesias to perform this role and pass. Instead, Iglesias signed a minor league deal on March 8th, with the Padres worth $3 million in the majors. The indicator is that he is trying to make the Padres.
Both the Yankees in particular have leaned towards adding significantly to their pay to fill these roles. Both exceed the best luxury tax, so if you trade with infielder Santiago Espinal, which is considered available to the Reds in the right circumstances, for example, you'll be charged a 100% tax, not just $2.4 million in 2025 pay. So he's an extra of about $5 million, and therefore would be questionable for either New York club.
The Mets are coming up with the opening day roster to announce. This is because they are open to adding the right infield bat, and almost certainly leads to Louis Sanger Acuna being sent to Triple A. The Mets look to be opening the season comfortably with Brett Bat appearing on the roster as the second baseman and left-handed bat from the bench against most rights holders. If the Mets don't secure an infielder in the next 72 hours, Acuna will likely start the opening day with Astros Lefty Ace Framer Valdez.
