Free agent infielder Freddy Galvis is on the New York Yankees radar, but if they want to sign him, they need to act quickly.
The New York Yankees have a Didi Gregorius-shaped hole in their infield, and former Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres shortstop Freddy Galvis is among the organization’s replacement solutions. But the Bombers aren’t the only team pursuing the 29-year-old.
According to the New York Post’s George A. King III, the Pittsburg Pirates are actively considering Galvis. The Pirates lost starting shortstop Jordy Mercer to the Detroit Tigers in free agency on Friday.
A.J. Cassavell at MLB.com also reported that the Padres are considering bringing Galvis back.
Galvis spent the first six years of his career in Philadelphia. The Padres dealt for him in December 2017, and he served as their starting shortstop for the 2018 season.
The native of Venezuela is known more for his glove than his bat. His defensive gems include this spectacular play:
He’s a bottom of the order hitter, though, with a career slash line of .246/.290/.374. Galvis did deliver a 20-HR season in 2016, but he could only muster a lowly .274 OBP to go along with the pop.
[membership level="0"] [/membership]One factor that might have piqued Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ interest is Galvis’s durability. He’s the only player in the MLB who has played in all 162 games in each of the past two seasons.
Also, his ability to play multiple infield positions would make him a valuable backup once the Yankees are back to full strength.
New York has options beyond Galvis, both in free agency and potential trades. Rumors have also connected the Bombers to free agent infielders Josh Harrison, Marwin Gonzalez, and Troy Tulowitzki.
On the trade front, current Cincinnati Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett is a reported possibility. The Reds have talked to the Yankees about Sonny Gray already, but a deal for Gennett would probably have to include a prospect or two as well.
