Yankees Sign Ex-Red Sox Slugger To Fill Final Roster Spot For 2023 Season
The New York Yankees swiped a former member of the Boston Red Sox one day before the 2023 Major League Baseball season kicks off.
Will the move shake up the division? Definitely not, but anytime a player crosses from one side of the rivalry to the other it is newsworthy.
"Outfielder Franchy Cordero and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a major league contract," ESPN's Jeff Passan tweeted Wednesday. "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."
Cordero hit .219 with 26 extra-base hits including eight home runs, 29 RBIs and a .697 OPS in 84 games with the Red Sox last season.
Between his inconsistent bat and below-average defense at both first base and the outfield, Cordero logged a -0.2 WAR.
The 28-year-old put himself back on the map with a dominant spring. Cordero hit .413 with seven extra-base hits including a pair of home runs, nine RBIs and a 1.100 OPS in 18 games for the Baltimore Orioles in the Grapefruit League.
The slugger was somewhat surprisingly cut from the O's but has reportedly found a new home in Queens.
Cordero was not a great everyday player when given the chance but did have some big moments last season -- including a walk-off grand slam in extra innings against the Seattle Mariners.
His rare combination of elite speed and power makes him an enticing player to develop, though it comes as a shock that a projected first-place team plans to add him to the big-league roster.
More MLB: Red Sox Could Lean On Recently Reacquired Flamethrower To Bolster Bullpen
