The New York Yankees are wrapping up their offseason signings and have decided to step back from the big spending this year. With that being said, let’s not forget those former Yanks who had a not-so-cheerful offseason prequel.
As professional baseball becomes more competitive with each passing season, it’s really tough to stay on business most of the time. Age could be one factor while being out of form is another. But the deeper challenge is a shift in team dynamics. No team wants to invest in a player who cannot fix their current struggle. However big a name one was in his days, the current MLB demands no mercy.
Let’s have a look at five such former New York Yankees players who are still without a team despite the 2025 spring training is about to knock on the doors.
5. Anthony Rizzo
Rizzo is one of the dependable first basemen for the New York Yankees. He has been performing really well for quite some time. Situations did not seem to favor him. He will be sidelined as they gear up to take on the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. Rizzo’s postseason hopes took a hit when a pitch from Ryan Borucki left him with two fractured fingers. The tough outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates became tougher for him after the mishap.
⚡️ BEING A GOOD TEAMMATE ⚡️
— Nicholas Enriquez (@Coach_Enriquez) January 9, 2025
I have heard since I was young about the importance of being a good teammate.
But how can it help you play better?
Take a look at what Anthony Rizzo has to say. pic.twitter.com/qzLq4EeXRc
This season has certainly thrown Rizzo some curveballs. He spent 62 games on the sidelines earlier this year after fracturing his right forearm in a wild collision with a Red Sox reliever. But when he made his comeback on September 1, he lit it up. Anthony finished strong with a .380 batting average, eight hits, and seven RBIs.
4. Harrison Bader
Unlike Rizzo, Harrison has been getting the attention of a few teams lately. The Minnesota Twins are reportedly considering signing the former Gold Glove outfielder. They see him as an affordable option with proven defensive strengths.
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Top remaining free-agent hitters, using Fangraphs projected 2025 fWAR:
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) January 10, 2025
Alex Bregman 4.2
Pete Alonso 2.7
Anthony Santander 2.7
Ha-Seong Kim 2.6
Jurickson Profar 2.1
Jesse Winker 1.6
Jose Iglesias 1.5
Jorge Polanco 1.5
Alex Verdugo 1.3
Yasmani Grandal 1.2
Harrison Bader 1.2
However, Bader was acquired by the Yankees in 2022 in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. Although the majority of his stint at the camp was hampered by injuries, he was expected to bounce back. His lackluster season with the Mets is still a worry for any team keeping him on their consideration list.
3. Aaron Hicks
After a turbulent 2024 season with the LA Angels, Hicks is on the lookout for a new team. His situation is sort of similar to Bader’s. Hicks is also hoping to bounce back from a difficult year where he managed just a .140 batting average with only one home run. Released after appearing in only 63 games, Hicks’ struggles have overshadowed a much more promising stint with the Baltimore Orioles in 2023.
Aaron Hicks • 07/23/2019 pic.twitter.com/58tGmTncDE
— Random Homers (@randomdingers) January 9, 2025
His current situation is mudded as well. Several teams could step in to offer Hicks another chance to prove himself. The Baltimore Orioles stand out as a prime candidate for a reunion, especially with the possible departure of Anthony Santander. They could benefit from Hicks’ experience and past production, but nothing seems promised for him.
2. Alex Verdugo
Verdugo is comparatively in a better position than anyone else on the list. The talented outfielder from the New York Yankees is currently attracting interest from several MLB teams. The list includes the New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays, and Pittsburgh Pirates. This comes on the heels of the Mets making headlines by signing Juan Soto for an eye-popping $765 million over 15 years.
Alex Verdugo represents the bare minimum this team can do to address corner outfield.
— Jim Rosati 🏴☠️ (@northsidenotch) January 10, 2025
Full episode below 👇🏻 https://t.co/8bSzX61jWp pic.twitter.com/l2eynBm5PJ
Verdugo’s strong defensive skills and experience in the league have made him a valuable target as teams look to enhance their rosters for the upcoming season. While he is still to find a team, his time at the Yanks did not come as expected given his struggle to start the season.
1. Jon Berti
Berti was recently placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left groin strain. This undoubtedly shakes things up for the Yankees, but it would be more painful for Berti. After splitting time at third base with Oswaldo Cabrera, Berti’s absence will be felt.
The Seattle Mariners are in agreement with utility INF Jon Berti on a 2 year $8m contract. The Mariners have DFAd Austin Shenton as the corresponding move. The 40 man roster is full. pic.twitter.com/N9bVLdUcIZ
— Stan(ton) (@MainersPainLove) January 10, 2025
The Yanks are also reportedly looking for an alternative to fill the gap, given his struggling .182 batting average. To fill Berti’s spot on the active roster, the Yankees have turned to infielder Kevin Smith.
Also Read: New York Mets Poised To Make Another Juan Soto Move To Swoop Yankees Target
