Yankees Must Pursue Former Stolen Base King

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael DeRosa | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 9:29 AM ET

The New York Yankees have had an incredible start to the 2025 season. The AL East club started their campaign with a three-game sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers and completely dominated in the process. In their last two games of the series, the Yankees scored 32 runs, including 20 on Saturday.

Given how wonderfully the Yankees have started their season, there is naturally a ton of optimism surrounding them right now. They have responded incredibly well to all of their injury trouble early on, and it will be intriguing to see how they build off it from here.

However, when looking at the Yankees' current roster, it is fair to argue that they could use more speed and outfield depth during the beginning stages of the season. With this, they should seriously consider bringing in outfielder Esteury Ruiz from the Athletics.

Ruiz was designated for assignment by the Athletics on Sunday, so he is available for the taking right now. While he may not be the biggest name out there, he would undoubtedly make the Yankees a far more dangerous running team if acquired.

Ruiz showed off just how impactful he can be on the basepaths just back in 2023 with the Athletics. In 132 games that season, he set a new AL rookie stolen base record with 67. With numbers like these, he would be an excellent pinch runner option for the Yankees.

Overall, with the Yankees needing more depth, there would be no harm in them taking a shot on Ruiz. In 178 career major league games split between the San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers, and A's, he has posted seven home runs, 57 RBIS, 73 stolen bases, and a .243 batting average.

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

More must-reads: