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Yankees' Failed Attempt to Sign All-Star SS Revealed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 28, 2025 11:57 AM ET

The New York Yankees have quickly emerged as one of the top teams in MLB this season, boasting an impressive 34-20 record that has them in first place in the AL East, while also having a plus-112 run differential.

Their offense has been truly special, as they currently rank third in runs scored (304), ninth in hits (477), first in home runs (88), third in RBIs (292), first in walks (220) and first in OPS (.812).

However, that doesn't mean they aren't looking for ways to bring in more talent. On Wednesday, The New York Post's Jon Heyman revealed the Yankees, along with the New York Mets, offered minor league deals to shortstop Orlando Arcia.

But instead of landing with either of those playoff hopeful squads, Arcia signed an MLB deal with the Colorado Rockies, whose 9-46 record is the worst in the majors.

Yankees and Mets both offered Arcia minor league opportunities before he got the MLB deal with Rockies https://t.co/rXbcaGGnFC
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) May 28, 2025

Seeing Arcia receive mainly minor league offers doesn't come as much of a surprise considering that in 14 games this season, he has 31 at-bats, six hits, one run scored, zero home runs, one RBI and an OPS of .445.

Those numbers are the main reason that, despite earning an All-Star nod in 2023, he was designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves to make room for the return of Ronald Acuna Jr.

Arcia rejecting the Yankees also makes sense as his chances of breaking the MLB roster and seeing playing time would have been slim. The Yankees already have a viable shortstop in Anthony Volpe (.765 OPS) while Ben Rice (.856) has been impressive as the designated hitter.

Of course, Arcia's chances at shortstop with the Rockies aren't much higher considering they have Ezequiel Tovar ( .759 OPS ). However, he could come in and immediately challenge Nick Martini (.582) for the DH role.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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