As we dive into the new MLB season, Opening Day rosters are locked in, and fans of the New York Yankees might be doing a double-take. A couple of former Yankees have landed roles with new teams, and they’re poised to make some noise.
First up, let's talk about the Arizona Diamondbacks. This offseason, they made moves that effectively shut down two persistent Yankees rumors.
They put an end to any chatter about a potential Nolan Arenado trade and also snapped up Jonathan Loáisiga for their bullpen. Loáisiga, known for his fiery presence on the mound, will now be looking to make an impact in Arizona.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Rockies have been quietly gathering former Yankees prospects. TJ Rumfield, a left-handed-hitting first baseman who found himself blocked in New York, became part of a trade package for Angel Chivilli, known for his love of throwing heat.
Now, let's break it down. Jonathan Loáisiga’s move to the Diamondbacks might not shake up the Yankees too much, but TJ Rumfield’s departure could be a different story.
The Diamondbacks are banking on Loáisiga to be a reliable reliever, but staying healthy has been a challenge for him. Plus, Arizona’s bullpen had a rough go last year, ranking 27th with a 4.82 ERA.
Adding Loáisiga was one of their few offseason efforts to improve.
On the flip side, Rumfield put on a show this spring. Despite being overshadowed by Ben Rice in New York, Rumfield consistently hit well across all levels.
This spring, he posted an impressive .286/.359/.554 with five homers and just two strikeouts, earning him the Abby Greer Award as the Rockies' spring training MVP. His performance secured him the starting first base job in Colorado, setting the stage for his MLB debut.
As for Angel Chivilli, his spring training struggles with a 12.38 ERA suggest that the Yankees might have taken a hit in this trade. It’s early days, but the trade doesn’t look promising from New York’s perspective. If Rumfield had been able to bat right-handed, perhaps his path in New York would have been different.
As the season kicks off, keep an eye on Rumfield; he might just prove to be a valuable asset for the Rockies. And for the Diamondbacks and Loáisiga, here’s hoping their gamble pays off.