Yankees sign power-hitting infielder

On Thursday, the New York Yankees continued their efforts to bolster their Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre roster, following the recent signing of Josh VanMeter on a minor-league deal. This time, the Yankees inked a deal with infielder José Rojas, adding another powerful hitter to their minor league system.

The move to sign Rojas comes in the wake of the departure of slugger Andres Chaparro from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre. Rojas’s contract details closely mirror those of VanMeter’s, with a slightly reduced earning potential if he ascends to the major leagues ($100,000).

While Rojas’s previous stints with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and 2022 may not have earned him significant acclaim (-1.7 career bWAR at the MLB level), his performance in the high minors showcased his power-hitting abilities. In the 2019 season at Triple-A Salt Lake, Rojas impressively recorded 31 home runs, 39 doubles, and seven triples, boasting a .938 OPS in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

However, Rojas, like many players on the brink of a breakthrough, faced setbacks due to the COVID pandemic-related cancellation of the 2020 minor league season. Despite a few underwhelming big-league stints, the 30-year-old decided to take his talents to the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) last winter. This decision paid off as he secured another shot at the MLB.

While the trend in recent years has seen pitchers making a name for themselves overseas before returning to the MLB, Rojas stands out as a hitter who sought opportunities in Korea. His performance with Doosan, where he hit 19 homers with an .819 OPS in 122 games, suggests a renewed hunger to succeed in the American baseball scene.

Although the numbers may not be staggering, they indicate both the heightened level of competition in Korea and Rojas’s determination to rediscover his swing since his standout 2019 season. As the Yankees continue to fortify their minor league ranks, Rojas adds another potentially impactful contributor to the mix, providing depth and experience to their Triple-A roster.