The Yankees are expressing interest in free agent Garrett Cooper, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. Cooper became a free agent a week ago after being released by the Red Sox.
This would be Cooper’s third team of the 2024 season. He started with the Cubs after signing a minor league deal, making the opening-day roster and hitting .270/.341/.432 in 12 games. However, the Cubs designated him for assignment in April due to his 13 strikeouts in 41 plate appearances. Traded to the Red Sox for cash, Cooper struggled further, hitting .171/.227/.229 with 22 strikeouts and just three walks in 75 plate appearances over 24 games. The Red Sox chose Dominic Smith over Cooper once Masataka Yoshida returned from injury.
Strikeouts have become a growing issue for Cooper, who has a 29.1% strikeout rate since last season, batting .242/.297/.395 in 573 plate appearances for four teams. Previously a solid hitter for the Marlins, he posted a .274/.350/.444 line and made the 2022 All-Star team.
Cooper is a former Yankee, having been acquired from the Brewers in 2017 and playing 13 games before being traded to the Marlins. The Yankees recently lost Anthony Rizzo to a broken arm and called up Ben Rice, who has performed well in his first three games. Cooper could potentially platoon with the left-handed Rice, but DJ LeMahieu is already an option as a right-handed hitter.
GM Brian Cashman may explore the trade market for corner infield help, though it’s challenging to find upgrades far from the deadline with most teams still in playoff contention. Cooper and José Abreu are available as stopgap first basemen, but it’s uncertain if they’ll receive major league contract offers. Meanwhile, J.D. Davis is in DFA limbo with the A’s and will be traded or placed on waivers soon.
