In truly one of the painfully slowest MLB offseasons of recent memory, the Yankees have been one of the select few teams to make any moves, and have just made another. The apparently “Cold Stove” has somewhat of a flicker of heat as the Yankees reportedly have signed former Atlanta Braves infielder Jace Peterson to a minor league deal.
Yankees are signing Jace Peterson to a minor-league deal, source tells SB Nation. Former Brave was non-tendered last month.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 5, 2018
The versatile Peterson was non-tendered by the Braves last month, and appears to have been brought into the fold to provide some infield depth. Entering into his age 28 season, Peterson has seen time at second, third and left field in the Majors, but will presumably begin his Yankees tenure in Scranton.
Only registering 186 at-bats through 89 games with the Braves in 2017, Peterson slashed .215/.318/.317 with 2 home runs, 17 RBI, and 3 stolen bases.
The move itself certainly won’t raise many eyebrows around the league, or create much of a buzz, as it is most likely a depth move and nothing more. However, this move feels as though it does say something about Cashman’s plan for the 2018 season.
It has been speculated off and on this offseason whether or not the Yankees will roll out their prized youngsters to start the season, or add a veteran such as the Pirates’ Josh Harrison to help bridge the gap for one more year. Adding a depth piece such as Peterson, feels like it is the former that Cashman may be leaning toward.
By adding a few “safety net” pieces such as Peterson, it may indicate Cashman’s confidence level to give Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar the nod out of spring training is higher than we may have thought.
Only time will tell, and we will continue to update the second and third base plans for the Yankees, as they remain fluid.
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