Gold Glove Winner Predicted to Fill Yankees 'Biggest Roster Hole'

In a January 7 article, Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote, "The [New York] Yankees – who pounced quickly after Juan Soto turned down their $760 million offer by signing Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract, trading for closer Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger, and signing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – now are seeking a left-handed reliever and an infielder.

Sep 27, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) steals second as Colorado Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers (7) is unable to field the throw in the second inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

"They have had talks with free-agent... infielder Brendan Rodgers," he added.

This was a compelling report, especially because Rodgers was not someone many people expected the Yankees to pursue this offseason.

However, it's now clear that Nightengale wasn't wrong in linking the two sides, as Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter listed Rodgers as the Yankees' most realistic option to fill their biggest hoster hole (which he called Second Base/Third Base) in a January 17 article.

"The Yankees have been linked to Rodgers as they work toward putting the finishing touches on their infield," Reuter wrote. "Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s ability to play second and third base gives them flexibility in who they pursue, and Rodgers would compete with Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and DJ LeMahieu for a starting job. The 28-year-old was the 2022 NL Gold Glove winner at second base."