Brian Cashman has continued making over the Yankees’ infield by bringing a former Met back to New York.
One day after acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies, the Yanks traded for versatile infielder Amed Rosario in a deal with the Nationals announced Saturday night.
Right-handed pitcher Clayton Beeter and outfielder Browm Martinez were shipped to Washington in the swap.
The 29-year-old Rosario, who was traded by the Mets in the 2021 blockbuster for Francisco Lindor, has appeared in 45 games this season — including 24 at third base and 16 at second.
But he also came up has played extensively as a shortstop and games in the outfield during a nine-year career in MLB.
He also owns a .298 career average with a .799 OPS against left-handed pitching, including .816 in 158 plate appearances this season. His arrival should give Aaron Boone some versatility defensively and another lineup option in a utility role alongside McMahon and Jazz Chisholm Jr., who both are left handed batters.
Rosario has posted a .270 average with five home runs, a .736 OPS and a career-best OPS+ of 109 overall this season. His OPS dips to .667 for the year.
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Rosario also offers the Yanks a speed component off the bench — his sprint speed ranked in the 91st percentile across MLB in 2024. Rosario came up with the Mets at 21 in 2017 and played four seasons in Flushing, slashing .268/.302/.403 in 403 appearances before his inclusion in the Lindor trade.
While playing in Tampa Bay in 2024, Rosario expressed interest in a potential return to New York with either team.
“Why not?” he was quoted as saying ahead of last year’s trade deadline. “The Mets [gave] me an opportunity, and if somebody says they don’t want to play in New York, it’s not true. Everybody wants to play for the Yankees.
“[New York is] different. It’s a big market, the stadium is always full. I like it. Feeling pressure is good for me. I love playing in New York.”
McMahon made his Yankees debut at third base in Saturday’s 9-4 loss to the Phillies, finishing 1-for-3 with two strikeouts and one walk. The 2024 All-Star, who also made a diving stop at third base, was acquired Friday for two minor league prospects.
The Yanks dealt away two more to obtain Rosario. The 26-year-old Beeter was their No. 20 ranked prospect on MLB Pipeline, while Martinez is an 18-year-old outfielder playing in the Dominican Summer League this year.
Beeter had struggled in limited duty out of the Yankees’ bullpen this season with a 9.82 ERA over five relief appearances.