SEATTLE - With less than a month to go until the new MLB season gets underway, teams continue to use Spring training to determine which players will be making each roster this season. One of those players trying to get a good look is Venezuelan infielder Jordit Vivas, who arrived to the New York Yankees kind of in a circumstantial way. In a move designed to clear a 40-man roster spot for superstar Shohei Ohtani, Vivas was part of a deal along with Victor González that sent them to the Yankees.
Since the swap, Vivas has been trying to make something happen for him and is so far having a great Spring training with the Bronx Bombers. According to MLB Pipeline, Vivas is seen as the 10th best prospect for the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season. The Venezuelan, a 5'10" infielder that can play both second and third base, is averaging .667 and has two HR and driven in four runs in just three at-bats.
Jorbit Vivas crushes one out in the 7th 💪 pic.twitter.com/A6OmmmLM6r
— NYYPlayerDev (@NYYPlayerDev) February 26, 2024
Yankees manager Aaron Boone seems to be happy with Vivas' versatility at playing in different positions. "I feel he's definitely solid at second. Excited to see more of him," said Boone in a press conference.
The Venezuelan is currently part of the Yankee's 40-man roster and if he continues to impress in Spring training, a spot in the team's active roster could open up due to his versatility. Between Double-A and Triple-A in the Dodgers' system last season, the Venezuelan combined for 269/.381/.407 with 13 homers and 63 RBI.
Throughout his career, he amasses more than 400 games played in Minor Leagues. Vivas has ranked among the Minor League leaders in strikeout rate in each of the last two seasons, finishing ninth in 2021 (12%) and fourth overall just last year (10%).
If Vivas ends up making his debut for the Yankees this season, he would become the 18th different Venezuelan to play for the team in MLB history. There are four Venezuelans in the Yankee's current roster. Outfielder Everson Pereira and pitcher Yoendris Gómez made their debuts last season.
With countryman Gleyber Torres becoming a free agent in 2025, Vivas could have a realistic chance of starting for the team in 2025 if the Yankees don't reach a new deal with the two-time All-Star second baseman. His ability to play in multiple positions will definitely give him the edge this offseason, as the Yankees continue their search for a backup utility player.
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