Amed Rosario Signs 1-Year, $2.5M Contract with Yankees
The New York Yankees have secured a one-year contract with utilityman Amed Rosario, valued at $2.5 million. This agreement marks Rosario’s return to the team following a productive stint in the previous season.
Amed Rosario’s Contract Details
Rosario’s new contract includes an additional $250,000 in potential incentives. The Yankees aimed to enhance their roster by adding Rosario for his right-handed batting capability.
Rosario’s Performance Overview
At 30 years old, Rosario has established himself as a skilled hitter, particularly against left-handed pitching. In the previous season, he showcased impressive stats:
- Batted .302 with four home runs against lefties
- Achieved an .819 OPS in 122 plate appearances versus left-handed pitchers
- Overall, he posted a .303 batting average and a .788 OPS in 16 games with the Yankees
- Performed well in postseason play, going 3-for-10 in four games
Yankees’ Strategic Move
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman expressed concerns about the team’s left-handed dominance. He noted that adding right-handed bats was critical for their upcoming strategy. Cashman emphasized the importance of giving manager Aaron Boone diverse options against left-handed starters:
“There’s not a lot of right-handed bats in the game that are accessible.”
Positional Flexibility
Rosario’s versatility allows him to share playing time at third base with left-handed hitting Ryan McMahon. He has also contributed as a second baseman and outfielder, enhancing the team’s overall adaptability.
Team Chemistry and Previous Interest
Beyond his on-field contributions, Rosario is noted for his positive energy, which has positively influenced the Yankees’ clubhouse environment. The team had previously shown interest in signing him, but he opted for starting roles with the Tampa Bay Rays and Washington Nationals during the last two offseasons.
This time, the Yankees have successfully acquired Rosario, hoping his presence will strengthen their roster and address their left-handed batting challenges as they look ahead to the upcoming season.
