The New York Yankees are focusing on the finer details as they prepare for the upcoming season, capitalizing on an exceptional offseason to fine-tune their roster. While major acquisitions have solidified their core, the next step in their quest for dominance lies in Spring Training, where they aim to discover the missing pieces that can elevate their depth even further.

As part of this effort, the Yankees have extended minor league invitations to two intriguing prospects: catcher Ronaldo Hernández and left-handed pitcher Jayvien Sandridge. These additions may not grab headlines like blockbuster trades or free-agent signings, but they represent the kind of under-the-radar moves that can make a significant impact over the course of a long season.

Sandridge, a 25-year-old southpaw, has spent six seasons in the minors with the Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and San Diego Padres organizations. He holds a career 3.87 ERA and demonstrated his strikeout potential last season by fanning 95 batters in 61 innings across Double-A and Triple-A. However, command remains an area for improvement, as evidenced by his 49 walks in that span. With the Yankees, he could provide valuable bullpen depth and possibly emerge as a contributor at the big-league level if he refines his control.

Hernández, meanwhile, brings a wealth of minor league experience, having played in the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox organizations before spending the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate in Reno. Once ranked as the No. 56 prospect by Baseball America ahead of the 2019 season, Hernández showcased his offensive skills last year, batting .311 in 63 games. His bat-first profile makes him an interesting option for the Yankees, particularly if he can provide depth behind the plate or contribute offensively as a designated hitter option.

These invitations reflect the Yankees’ commitment to exploring every avenue for improvement. While their star-studded roster is poised for success, finding hidden gems in Spring Training could be the difference between a great season and a championship one.

By addressing minor but crucial roster needs now, the Yankees are ensuring they are as complete a team as possible when Opening Day arrives… and to be honest, I love it.

Go Yanks!