In a surprising turn of events, the New York Yankees are reportedly considering a trade for Enrique “Kiké” Hernández as they search for infield solutions heading into the 2025 MLB season. The Yankees’ decision not to extend a contract offer to Glaber Torres has left them scrambling for a replacement, but fans are left questioning whether Hernández is the right fit.
The Yankees have explored various options, including high-profile names like Alex Bregman and Luis Arraez, only to find those pursuits complicated by financial concerns and defensive questions. This has led general manager Brian Cashman to focus on Hernández and fellow player Yon Moncada, both of whom come with their own sets of uncertainties.
Hernández, an 11-year MLB veteran known for his postseason prowess, had a disappointing regular season in 2024. He posted a modest slash line of .229/.281/.373 with just 12 home runs over 362 at-bats. Alarmingly, if Hernández had played all his games at Yankee Stadium, those home runs would have likely been halved, raising doubts about his offensive contributions to a team that desperately needs a reliable bat.
Despite his struggles in the regular season, Hernández’s clutch performances in the playoffs—especially during his time with the Los Angeles Dodgers—add a layer of intrigue to his candidacy. However, the Yankees’ needs extend beyond postseason heroics; they require consistent offensive production throughout the regular season.
On the other hand, Yon Moncada presents a different set of risks. Once heralded as one of MLB’s top prospects, Moncada had a breakout 2021 season but has since faced a decline in performance and struggles with injuries. In 2024, he managed only 45 plate appearances, raising concerns about his viability as a starter. Although his switch-hitting ability is attractive to a Yankees team that values versatility, relying on Moncada as a primary option could prove to be a significant risk.
As the Yankees navigate these decisions, they face an increasingly competitive landscape in the AL East. The Baltimore Orioles are constructing a formidable young roster, while the Toronto Blue Jays remain a dangerous adversary. The Houston Astros, perennial contenders, are not to be overlooked either. With the competition strengthening, the Yankees’ conservative approach in recent offseasons has drawn criticism from frustrated fans.
The infield situation is more precarious than it may seem, with questions surrounding the health and performance of key players like DJ LeMahieu and Anthony Volpe. Each decision made by Cashman carries weight, as it could affect not only the infield but the entire lineup.
As the Yankees weigh their options, the question looms: should they pursue proven, high-impact infielders rather than gamble on players with inconsistent track records? The fanbase is eager for decisive action, and many are left wondering if Hernández or Moncada will be the answer or if Cashman should rethink his strategy altogether.
Yankees fans are encouraged to weigh in on this developing situation. Could Hernández or Moncada be the right solutions, or are the Yankees risking too much in their pursuit of infield reinforcements? As the offseason progresses, the eyes of the baseball world remain fixed on the Bronx, eager to see how the Yankees will shape their roster for the upcoming season.
