Why Justyn-Henry Malloy Makes Sense for the Yankees Right Now
The offseason is always a time for front offices to get creative. Free agents grab the headlines, blockbuster trades dominate the chatter, but sometimes the most intriguing pickups come from a much quieter transaction - the DFA wire. And that’s exactly where the New York Yankees might find real value in Justyn-Henry Malloy, a versatile corner infielder and outfielder who was just designated for assignment by the Detroit Tigers.
Let’s break down why this move could be more than just roster filler for the Bronx Bombers.
Detroit Moves On, But Malloy Still Has Upside
The Tigers made their move official on Saturday, designating Malloy for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for reliever Kyle Finnegan. That kind of transactional shuffle is standard this time of year, but Malloy’s name stands out.
He’s 25 years old, a right-handed bat with a track record of offensive production at multiple levels. While he never really got an extended look in Detroit, when he did get his shot, he showed why teams have been intrigued by his bat since his high school days at St. Joseph Regional in Montvale, New Jersey.
Originally a sixth-round pick by the Braves in the 2021 MLB Draft, Malloy was traded to Detroit in December 2022 in exchange for All-Star reliever Joe Jimenez. That deal spoke volumes about how the Tigers viewed his potential at the time.
And he didn’t disappoint in the minors. In Triple-A Toledo, he posted a near-.900 OPS against right-handed pitching - a stat that should catch the Yankees’ attention.
But his most eye-popping numbers came in the big leagues last season, where he put up an .839 OPS against lefties. That’s not just solid - that’s impact-level production in a platoon role.
Elite Plate Discipline That Plays at Any Level
What separates Malloy from your average DFA candidate is his approach. According to Baseball Savant, he ranks above the 90th percentile in both Chase Rate and Walk Rate.
That’s elite territory. We’re talking about a hitter who doesn’t expand the zone, who forces pitchers to come to him, and who consistently grinds out quality at-bats.
That kind of plate discipline is a rare commodity - especially for a player this young and this affordable. And it’s exactly the kind of skill set that tends to translate well, even when the jump to the majors proves tough for others.
The Yankees’ Roster Picture: A Need for Right-Handed Bats
The Yankees have a few things working in Malloy’s favor. First, he’s a local product - born in New York City, raised just across the river in Bergenfield, New Jersey. That’s not a reason to sign someone, but it’s certainly a nice storyline if the fit is already there.
And the fit? It’s there.
Right now, the Yankees’ lineup is light on right-handed hitters. Outside of Jose Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Aaron Judge, and Giancarlo Stanton, there’s not much from the right side. That’s a problem, especially when you consider how lefty-heavy some of the AL’s top rotations are.
In the outfield, the picture is even murkier. Judge is the anchor, of course.
But beyond him, it’s Jasson Dominguez, Trent Grisham, and Spencer Jones. All three have upside, but none are proven, and each comes with questions.
If the Yankees do end up bringing back Cody Bellinger - a lefty - it could make someone like Dominguez or Jones expendable in a trade, further thinning the depth chart.
That’s where Malloy could slide in. He’s not a Gold Glove outfielder, but he can handle the corners and provide insurance at DH, especially against left-handed pitching. And while he’s been used primarily in a platoon role, his minor-league numbers against righties suggest he’s more than just a situational bat.
A Low-Risk, High-Upside Opportunity
This is the kind of move that doesn’t make headlines - but it can quietly pay off in a big way. Malloy isn’t a superstar in waiting, but he’s a disciplined, versatile hitter with a track record of production and a skill set that fits the Yankees’ current needs.
He’s also young, controllable, and wouldn’t cost the Yankees much more than a roster spot.
In an offseason where the Yankees are looking to retool and reload, adding a bat like Malloy’s could be one of those under-the-radar moves that ends up making a real impact by midseason. And given the questions surrounding their outfield depth and right-handed power, this is an opportunity worth exploring.