News about the Yankees from around the Empire – 2/24/24

Domínguez will make his first bat swing after surgery; The judge pushed for ownership to exchange for Verdugo. Tigers signs Urshela; Volpe arriving in camp with the same attitude; impressing in camp as a new reliever; Aaron Judge, primary hitter?

SNY | Phillip Martinez and Danny Abriano: One Yankees star has been made to watch live batting practice from the sidelines as spring training gets underway. That’s going to change shortly. On Monday, Jasson Domínguez, who has been throwing from 60 feet at the Tampa spring training facilities, was given permission to start batting.

It is anticipated that he will perform admirably, given these will be his first pitches after having Tommy John surgery in September of last year. The team’s top prospect, Aaron Boone, recently stated that he is expected to return in the summer. Although Bryce Harper did not play in the outfield during the previous season as a precaution, which is also anticipated for El Marciano in 2024, it took him 160 days following surgery to return to a major league field.

MLB.com | Hoch, Bryan: It appears that before bringing Alex Verdugo to the Bronx this winter, the Yankees had their sights set on him for a while. Verdugo disclosed to the media on Thursday that Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge had been pressuring him to sign with the Yankees for a minimum of a year. Sometimes Rizzo would say, “Hey, bro, we’re trying to get you,” while Verdugo was at first base.

But the team captain offered the most heartfelt recommendation:

Judge declared, “I’ve been preaching for years that we need to get that guy.” He’s a competitor as much as a gamer. He plays with intensity. I have saw him persevere through injuries; I am aware that he was somewhat sidelined even in the previous year due to a few issues. However, each and every time we performed for them, he was out there working hard and being himself.

Given his newfound opportunity, the support of his new squad and organization, and the added incentive of a platform year, Verdugo should have a strong career year in 2024.

MLB Rumors: Steve Adams Trade: Gio Urshela, a former third baseman for the Yankees, has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Tigers. After cutting, he is anticipated to be the team’s regular starting at the hot corner.With two home runs, a 92 wRC+, and 0.4 fWAR in 62 games with the Angels the previous season, he hit 299/.329/.374. It’s interesting to note that the Yankees were speculatively mentioned for a reunion at the start of the offseason, given their plans to move DJ LeMahieu to third base, and that the deal is far less than industry expectations, with several publications putting his value at eight figures.

MLB.com | Mark Feinsand: Anthony Volpe may be guaranteed the shortstop job this time out of spring, but he is not letting that security affect his mentality. Volpe is attacking this spring with the mindset of fighting for his job, integrating the needed adjustments he identified over the offseason including flattening his bat path for more consistent contact. It’s heartening to see him committed to improvement — there are certainly plenty of areas where Volpe needs to take the next step after finishing 2023 with the second-worst OBP and tied for twelfth-worst strikeout rate among qualified hitters.

New York Post | Greg Joyce: Nick Burdi has stolen headlines with his electric stuff in spring but there’s another new Yankees reliever who is impressing as well. Victor González, acquired in December from the Dodgers alongside infield prospect Jorbit Vivas for Trey Sweeney, has made an impression on Aaron Boone, who cited his performances in big moments including the playoffs. The southpaw figures to replace Wandy Peralta in the bullpen after the outgoing lefty signed a four-year deal with the Padres.

The Athletic | Brendan Kuty ($): Aaron Judge was one of a group of position players to report to the player development complex early, and he found himself in a position he hasn’t played since his freshman year of college. Surrounded by mostly infielders — Anthony Rizzo, DJ LeMahieu, Anthony Volpe, and Gleyber Torres among them — Judge donned a first base glove, working with infield instructor and first base coach Travis Chapman on how to take angles to sharply-struck ground balls.

Although he stated that he will play in the outfield “for as long as [his] contract lasts,” the Yankees captain did not rule out filling in at first base during a pinch this season. The Yankees have an intriguing alternative if Bryce Harper and Mookie Betts can learn to play first base. Over the past few years, we’ve seen both players move into infield roles. If nothing else, it might lead to an inventive opportunity for Judge to receive some extra rest during the season after playing center field for several days. Since DJ LeMahieu is the regular third baseman and Anthony Rizzo’s depth is unknown, it’s possible that big No. 99 will play first base more frequently this season.