New York continues to fill roster needs with the addition of left-hand reliever Victor González and infield prospect Jorbit Vivas. The cost of the trade is the Yankees’ young infield prospect, Trey Sweeney, who Inside the Diamonds ranks as New York’s number-five prospect. This move solves the Dodgers’ 40-man roster problem, making room for recently acquired Shohei Ohtani and Joe Kelly. The trade also addresses gaps in the Yankees’ roster after losing pitching prospects Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, and veteran reliever Michael King in the Juan Soto trade.
Victor González
It’s no secret that the Yankees depleted their relief pitching in the Juan Soto trade. The addition of left-handed reliever Victor González is the club’s latest step in rebuilding a bullpen that was among the best in the American League through the All-Star break. González is primarily a sinker/slider pitcher who induces a lot of groundballs, 54.3% last year, which fits perfectly with the Yankees’ pitching philosophy. He isn’t known to throw many strikeouts, but he also doesn’t issue many free passes (10BB:30SO over 135 batters faced last season). But he seems most effective against left-handed batters, holding them to a .209/.282/.282 slash line in his career. The biggest concern for the Yankees is the elbow surgery that sidelined González for most of the 2022 season. He also regressed considerably this year, splitting his time between the Oklahoma City Dodgers and the big-league club while posting a 4.01 ERA over 53.2 innings. If Matt Blake and company can work their magic with González, he could be a reliable option in 2024.
Jorbit Vivas
The 22-year-old infielder provides something the Yankees have lacked in recent years: a lefty with bat-to-ball skills that result in fewer strikeouts and more hit production. Vivas’ quick hands and short swing allow him to navigate the strike zone well and make good contact with different pitch types. He also has sneaky power that could translate well in a stadium with a 314-foot right-field wall. To gain the most value, the Yankees need to rely on Vivas’ skills at the plate. His average sprint speed suggests he won’t be a threat on the bases, and his arm strength limits his versatility in the field. Vivas has seen some playing time at third base, but his arm strength and reaction time make him ill-suited for the position. Having only played 26 AAA games in 2023, Vivas will likely continue developing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Over his minor league career, Vivas has produced a respectable .281/.383/.422 stat line and is improving as he matures.
Bottom Line
On its face, this trade appears to benefit both teams. The Dodgers clear space for Ohtani and Kelly while replacing top infield talent. New York adds a bullpen arm that shows potential to be a tremendous left-handed option in low-leverage situations and an infield prospect that adds a degree of small-ball the Yankees have lacked in their lineup.
