The constant appreciation for long-distance lover Greg Bird seems to be the pride-driven mentality for New York Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman. His obsession with getting the lefty hitter healthy has damaged the success of the team at times and has instilled unnecessary faith in a player that can’t go half a season without picking up an injury.
Bird enjoyed just 41 at-bats last season, logging a .171 batting average. The previous three seasons have been lackluster for the first-baseman as he’s failed to breach the .200 mark. Cashman seems convinced that Bird will reach his potential one day, though, despite Luke Voit emerging as a better offensive option. Bird is still a fantastic defensive player, but utility man DJ LeMahieu also proved he could weather the storm at first base, taking value away from the position.
What is Greg Bird up to now for the New York Yankees?
The “Bird” is the word some would say. I would say, how the hell is the”Bird” still the word? The Yankees’ first baseman made his Dominican Winter League debut Tuesday night, hitting in the cleanup spot for the Gigantes Del Ciabo. Quite the change of scenery from Yankee Stadium just last year.
The 26-year-old enjoyed just first action since April 13, just before going down with a surprising plantar fascia tear in his left foot. His ten games last season forced the Bombers to stick with Voit and eventually traded for slugger, Edwin Encarnacion.
Will the Yankees finally cut Bird?
MLB Trade Rumors projects that Bird will earn $1.3 million via arbitration in 2020. Cashman could finally elect to cut ties with his long-time favorite prospect, but the string is too thin to remain attached. Bird could be using this opportunity in the Dominican league that he’s still able to compete at a high level — an audition in a sense.
The Yankees should move on from him and open up a spot on the 40-man roster for next season. They’re better off testing out a talent like pitching Deivi Garcia than taking anther flier on Greg.