Yankees Veteran Reportedly Could Be Let Go After Rollercoaster Stint With Club
The New York Yankees could end up parting with one of the club's veterans this offseason.
New York has work to do. That is an understatement. New York had extremely high expectations heading into the 2023 campaign to the point where many considered the club a World Series contender. That didn't pan out. Instead, the Yankees won just 82 games and dealt with a plethora of injuries and inconsistent play.
Things are going to be changing this offseason. Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner already has made this clear and the roster will be looking different. One player who could end up playing elsewhere in 2024 is longtime catcher Kyle Higashioka, according to SNY's Phillip Martinez.
"Simply put, Higashioka, while a clubhouse fixture and a beloved member of the organization, has not put up the offensive production to warrant a spot on the team," Martinez said. "Barring a setback in (Jose Trevino's) recovery, the Yankees should use (Austin Wells) as much as possible to see if they really have a potent bat out of the catcher's spot.
"Of course, Trevino will likely be the everyday catcher with Wells being the backup and designated hitter at times, but that should be suffice for the Yankees heading into 2024."
Higashioka has been with the Yankees' big league club since 2017 but it sounds like there won't be a spot for him in 2024. New York has All-Star Jose Trevino and youngster Austin Wells on the roster and likely will give as much time as possible to the duo. Higashioka has been a steady member of the organization since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 Major League Baseball June Amateur Draft but it sounds like his time wearing pinstripes may be over.