The New York Yankees don't spend very long out of the rumor mill - we're just hours into 2015, and there's already lots to talk about.
According to Baseball America's Ben Badler, the Yankees are one of three MLB teams taking a serious look at Cuban 2B Hector Olivera.
An immensely skilled hitter from 2008 to 2012 who Badler compares to Yaisel Puig, Olivera missed time due to a blood disorder that also prevented him from competing in with the Cuban national squad. While scouts haven't had the chance to watch him play much recently, his past dominance has led to several teams seeking him out since US-Cuba relations took a turn for the better last month.
The Yankees, Oakland A's and San Diego Padres all have interest in Olivera, who is expected to have an open showcase for MLB squads in the near future. While Badler thinks the Yankees could look to Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada as their long-term answer at second base, he sees Olivera as an option who could fill in while Moncada adjusts to America and the major leagues. At nearly 30, Olivera would have a much faster adjustment period, and while question marks remain over his health because of his blood disorder, he could quickly slot into a MLB lineup if given the all-clear.
While the Yankees are one of several teams enamored with the younger Moncada (who turns 20 in May), he still needs to be cleared by the US Office Of Foreign Assets Control before he can sign with a team. Despite having a significant head start on Olivera (the Cuban government let Moncada leave for the US in June), it's likely that Olivera will end up on a major league roster first.
More Yankees news & rumors | Download the game-changing app for iPhone, now with live scores!
Back to the New York Yankees Newsfeed