In the bustling world of Major League Baseball’s offseason, the New York Yankees find themselves navigating a delicate balance between offensive firepower and defensive excellence. At the center of their latest roster deliberations stands Jurickson Profar, a versatile switch-hitter fresh off a career-defining season with the San Diego Padres. However, the Yankees’ recent acquisition of Max Fried, secured with a landmark eight-year, $218 million contract, has created an intricate web of roster considerations that may ultimately determine Profar’s potential future in pinstripes.

The Max Fried factor in Yankees’ choice

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The addition of Fried, one of baseball’s premier left-handed starters, represents more than just a bolstering of the Yankees’ rotation. His ground-ball-heavy pitching style necessitates a specific type of defensive support, particularly in the infield. Derek Levandowski, the respected host of the “Pinstripe Territory” podcast, provides crucial insight into this dynamic.

“He’s a good hitter; I don’t know how he is as a defender,” Levandowski remarked during a recent podcast episode. “I think the Yankees are trying to improve both offensively and defensively at the same time. I’m not sure they can count on Profar to do that.”

Profar’s renaissance season

The 2024 season marked a remarkable transformation for Profar. His offensive output reached new heights, posting a slash line of .280/.380/.459, accompanied by career-best marks of 24 home runs and 85 RBIs. His OPS+ of 134 and first All-Star selection validated his emergence as a premium offensive talent. This breakthrough performance, coming after more than a decade in the majors with four different teams, showcased Profar’s development into a well-rounded offensive threat.
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Yankees’ infield needs shadow outfield depth

The Yankees’ infield situation has grown increasingly complex following several significant changes. The departure of Gleyber Torres via free agency created a void at second base that remains unfilled. The acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. to replace the declining DJ LeMahieu signaled a shift toward athleticism and defensive prowess in the infield.

Levandowski’s analysis cuts to the core of the Yankees’ current thinking: “I don’t think the Yankees would play him at third base or second, especially having signed Max Fried, a lefty who throws the ball on the ground a lot. I could see them wanting a defensive-first infielder with their next choice.”

The Yankees’ outfield presents a different set of circumstances. With Aaron Judge established in center field, Cody Bellinger finding his stride, and rookie sensation Jasson Dominguez emerging, the outfield alignment appears set. However, Profar’s versatility and switch-hitting ability could provide valuable depth and flexibility for manager Aaron Boone.

“I think they’d have been more comfortable with Profar in the outfield,” Levandowski noted. “Also, he had kind of a tough second half last year. He got off to a good start and then kind of slowed down, although he is said to be a good clubhouse guy.”

The defense-first philosophy

The presence of Fried in the rotation has elevated the importance of infield defense in the Yankees’ roster construction. Ground ball pitchers rely heavily on their infield defense to convert balls in play into outs, and the Yankees appear committed to maximizing their substantial investment in Fried by prioritizing defensive excellence.

Market dynamics and future implications

For Profar, the market remains fluid despite his career-best season. His versatility as a switch-hitter who can play multiple positions makes him an attractive option for many teams, even if the fit in New York proves less than ideal. His 2024 performance demonstrated that when deployed effectively, he can be an impact player capable of contributing in multiple ways.
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The Yankees‘ approach to roster construction for the 2025 season reflects a careful balance between offensive production and defensive excellence. While Profar’s offensive breakout in 2024 commands attention, the team’s significant commitment to Fried and the corresponding need for superior infield defense may ultimately guide their personnel decisions in a different direction.

As the Yankees continue their offseason maneuvering, every decision becomes part of a larger strategic vision. The presence of Fried and his substantial contract suggests that defensive excellence, particularly in the infield, will remain a priority. This situation exemplifies the complex nature of modern roster construction, where a single significant acquisition can influence numerous subsequent personnel decisions.

Levandowski emphasized that the Yankees are focused on finding players who align with their strategic vision, suggesting that the team remains steadfast in its approach to roster building. This commitment underpins the organization’s broader pursuit of excellence, with each decision carefully designed to bring them closer to championship contention.

The Profar situation serves as a compelling example of how modern baseball operations must weigh multiple factors in personnel decisions. While his offensive capabilities are undeniable, the Yankees’ commitment to building a defensively sound team around their new ace may ultimately determine his fate regarding a potential move to the Bronx.