Yankees sign versatile infielder to MiLB free agent deal

Josh VanMeter is a patient hitter who relies on a high walk rate to get on base and generate value at the plate but has struggled to hit for a high enough average due to poor game power and a lack of an elite hit tool. He’s a versatile infielder who can play both the outfield and infield, even catching an inning for the Pirates back in 2022. VanMeter also has experience at shortstop although that has come exclusively at the Minor League levels.

There aren’t many outstanding physical traits in his profile, lacking a dominant power or speed tool, but his versatility makes him valuable as depth. The Yankees have displayed an interest in adding Minor League depth over the past few months, adding various players for both their outfield and infield, and this is another addition to this list. As the Yankees continue to shuffle their roster, they could move some infielders in their MiLB system, most notably Oswald Peraza.

While discussions about trading Oswald Peraza haven’t surfaced, it’s clear that the team doesn’t view him as a starter at third base for now. DJ LeMahieu was announced as the starting third baseman by manager Aaron Boone, and Gleyber Torres is the perceived second baseman, although some talks have floated about potentially moving him. Given the Yankees’ offensive struggles, keeping Torres in their best interest, they might not have enough playing time to develop Peraza.

They aren’t forced to deal him due to a fourth MiLB option that he qualified for, and he could start the season in Triple-A, but with the Yankees lurking for pitching depth on both the free agent and trade market, a trade of Peraza could make sense. Teams like the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants have been vocal about their pursuits for middle infield talent, and while the Yankees can’t expect an impact pitcher for Peraza, they could get bullpen or MiLB depth in return.

Josh VanMeter isn’t expected to fill a significant role on the roster and isn’t on the team’s 40-man roster, but as injuries and trades occur, things can shake out for him to potentially get MLB reps. The Yankees have relied on MiLB depth in the past, with names like Jake Bauers and Billy McKinney spending time in Scranton before being placed on the 40-man roster and promoted in times of need.

Whether the Yankees get more out of VanMeter or not remains to be seen, but it’s a depth signing with little implication on playing time at the MLB level.