Former Red Sox OF Signs with Yankees

Former Red Sox outfielder Franchy Cordero has signed a Major League deal with the New York Yankees, per multiple reports. He had been in camp with the Orioles this spring but was informed that he would not be making that roster.

Outfielder Franchy Cordero and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a major league contract, sources tell ESPN. It’s a split deal that will pay $1 million in the big leagues and $180,000 in the minors. Barring another move, Cordero would be on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 29, 2023

He had a productive spring with Baltimore, hitting .413 with two home runs, four doubles and a triple. He also drove in nine runs and stole a base. He has excellent power as well, and as a left-handed hitter, he has a chance to hit some real home runs in Yankee Stadium.

Cordero, 28, came up with the Padres system and played parts of three seasons for them before being traded to the Royals in 2020. He was then acquired by the Red Sox before the 2021 season in a three-team deal that sent Andrew Benintendi to the Royals. Pitcher Josh Wincowski also was in that deal and came to Boston. The Mets were the third team involved.

It was a frustrating tenure for Cordero in Boston, as he hit just .209 in 132 games across both 2021 and 2022. He also struck out 143 times in 411 plate appearances.

While he experimented with learning first base in the Red Sox system, with the Yankees, Cordero will join an outfield which consists of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks. Harrison Bader will start the season on the injured list.

Per the language in the above tweet from Passan, Cordero figures to be on the Opening Day roster when the Yankees take on the Giants on Thursday at Yankee Stadium.

First pitch is 1:05 as Gerrit Cole takes on Logan Webb.