Inside The Pinstripes

Yankees Checked in on This Veteran Infielder in Free Agency

New York reportedly checked on free agent infielder Josh Harrison this winter.

Max Goodman

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The Yankees have "checked in" on free agent infielder Josh Harrison this offseason, per Jon Heyman of the New York Post. 

Harrison, 35, slashed .256/.317/.370 over 119 games with the White Sox last season, his 12th MLB season. His 98 wRC+ was just two ticks below the league average and Harrison produced plus-6 defensive runs saved while spending the majority of his time on defense at second and third base. 

At this stage in free agency, Harrison is one of the best remaining infielders on the open market. He's versatile, appearing at every position except pitcher, catcher and first base within the last three years. 

Harrison began his career with eight years on the Pirates. He was an All-Star two times during that span, even finishing ninth in the MVP race in 2014 when he hit .315/.347/.490 with 77 runs, 13 home runs, 18 stolen bases and 38 doubles in a career-high 143 games. 

This feels like due diligence more than anything for the Yankees. The way New York's roster is currently constructed, adding a player like Harrison wouldn't make too much sense.

New York has a logjam of infielders with Josh Donaldson, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, Anthony Rizzo and prospect Oswald Peraza all set to be on the Opening Day roster. That doesn't include Oswaldo Cabrera (who excels in a utility role) and top prospect Anthony Volpe (who will make the jump from Triple-A to the big leagues at some point in 2023).

Barring a trade, the Yankees don't necessarily need a player like Harrison. He could conceivably help out in left field—New York is poised to roll with Cabrera, Aaron Hicks and Estevan Florial entering spring training—but he's only played 72 games at the position in his career, 26 since 2020.

The Yankees aren't the only team to check in with Harrison. The veteran is also "on the radar" of the Red Sox.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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