Rosell Herrera, a 27-year-old Dominican-born switch-hitting utility man with big-league experience at six different positions has been a standout performer in the field and in the batter's box, and people are starting to take note.
Herrera currently leads all Yankees with a batting average of .563 (9-16) and a team-high six runs through his first seven games.
The former Cincinnati Red, Kansas City Royal and Miami Marlin is not currently on the Yankees 40-man roster, but he's doing everything he can to force his way into consideration for a possible role with the major league club when March 26 arrives.
There's not much Herrera can't handle on a baseball diamond; he can play all over the field, he can hit from both sides and he's got ample speed - quite a combination of impressive tools. And while he's been a consistent contributor in the Yankees lineup thus far, evaluators praise his defensive abilities even more.
As the Yankees outfield outlook appears relatively open following injuries to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, Herrera is turning up the heat on other potential contenders like Clint Frazier, Mike Tauchman and Tyler Wade.
"You always love any kind of versatility they can provide," Aaron Boone told reporters early on in camp. "In Rosell's case, [he has] the ability to switch-hit obviously, but just the multiple positions that he plays."
Boone confirmed that Herrera has definitely "opened eyes" with his exciting brand of baseball so far in Tampa, but the versatile utility man is just grateful for the opportunity to compete in camp.
"The Yankees are the best organization, and I'm grateful to be here," Herrera told Brendan Kuty of NJ.com. "I just go out there and do my job and try to respect the game and keep playing the game hard."
Over 149 career MLB games, Herrera owns a career .225/.286/.316 slash line with 26 extra-base hits and 31 RBI at the big-league level, though he's yet to establish himself as an everyday player for an MLB club.
The Yankees know how crucial organizational depth can be, and that depth has already been put to the test this spring.
The Bombers' outfield rotation may sort itself out if Judge is able to address the right shoulder/pectoral issue that's bothered him early this year, but with players like Herrera going all-out and demonstrating what they can provide on the field, it will be interesting to follow that position battle in camp.
Stay tuned for all the latest news and developments on the Yankees as they continue to march toward Opening Day on March 26.
