Derek Dietrich intriguing Yankees spring training invitee

This morning the New York Yankees organization released there list of spring training signing.

https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1362024016488390658

The list is riddled with familiar names like Nick Goody, Robinson Chirinos and Adam Warren but one name stuck out in the bunch: Derek Dietrich.

If you remember Dietrich from anything, it's probably the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds brawl that happened in 2019, after Chris Archer threw behind him.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsCincy/status/1114960996848640000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1114960996848640000%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbssports.com%2Fmlb%2Fnews%2Fyasiel-puig-four-others-ejected-in-reds-pirates-brawl-after-chris-archer-throws-behind-derek-dietrich%2F

The throw came after Dietrich starred down a long home run earlier in the game. The interact between Archer and Dietrich was a memorable one and so were the two homeruns Dietrich sent into the Allegheny River behind the stadium.

More to Dietrich than just a tough guy attitude

Dietrich, 32, certainly isn't a one trick pony. He has played eight seasons in the majors with Miami, Cincinnati, and Texas ending his run with .245 batting average, 84 homeruns, and .762 OPS. He has experience at first base, second base, third base, and left field making him the perfect utility player, especially for a team like the Yankees who are only a calf strain away from Tyler Wade starting up the middle. Not only is he the middle infielder we are missing, he's a lefty bat. Everyone knows the Yankees LOVE a left handed swing.

https://twitter.com/GloverDarius/status/1362027220064206848

Dietrich has a stand out season in 2019 with the Reds with his power, walk rate, and strike out rate all spiking. In 113 games with the team in '19 Dietrich hit .187 which seems low until you consider the 19 home runs, .328 OBP and a .790 slugging percentage.  Its hard not to love a lefty power bat in Yankee Stadium.

Stealing the final bench spot

Dietrich could absolutely steal the final bench spot from previously signed Jay Bruce. Bruce gives the team the same lefty pop they are clearly looking for but still leaves the middle infield bare if or more likely when injury hits. Dietrich's power, versatility, and personality certainly makes for a fun and welcome addition to the Yankees roster.