Yankees and Dodgers exchange INF prospects in a three-player deal.
In exchange for González and Vivas, the Bombers traded shortstop Trey Sweeney. This allows Ohtani and reliever Joe Kelly, who are awaiting the completion of their rumored contracts with the team, to take up two spots on Los Angeles’ 40-man roster.
The Yankees’ contingent is focusing on other West Coast targets as the deal was finalized on Monday. Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner, and others are scheduled to meet with right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the Los Angeles area on Monday.
As of late last week, general manager Brian Cashman stated, “Pitching is definitely an area of focus.” “There’s no doubt that on-boarding pitching will be crucial because we off-boarded pitching to make these deals [for outfielders Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo”).”
González, 28, could contribute to the Yanks bullpen by covering for Wandy Peralta, a left-hander who is a free agent and could depart. According to Cashman, the team is still in communication with Peralta, who made 165 appearances for New York from 2021–23 and pitched to a 2.82 ERA.
Despite missing all of 2022 due to elbow surgery recovery, González posted a 4.01 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 33 2/3 big league innings this past season, holding opponents to a.223/.296/.331 slash line. He also held opponents scoreless in 27 out of 34 appearances.
Throughout his three major league seasons, González has a lifetime 3.22 ERA and has held left-handed hitters to a.564 OPS (.668 OPS against righties).
The lone home run by Jorbit Vivas
Sweeney, currently rated as the Dodgers’ No. 18 prospect, had to overcome obstacles to reach the Majors, including Yankees shortstops Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza.
After being selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Eastern Illinois University, 23-year-old Sweeney played all of 2023 with Double-A Somerset, where he batted.252 in 100 games with 13 home runs, 20 steals, and a.778 OPS.