The New York Yankees are having a stellar offseason despite losing Juan Soto to the Mets. They secured Max Fried, a top-tier groundball pitcher, adding much-needed depth to their rotation. Additionally, they welcomed Paul Goldschmidt and Cody Bellinger to bolster both their batting lineup and defense. Fried, known for his impressive 55.3% career ground ball rate, might face challenges with the current infield defense, particularly with projected starters Oswaldo Cabrera and Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm's better performance at third base could provide a boost, given his history of Outs Above Average.

The Yankees are also eyeing Jose Iglesias, who, while not a standout at the plate, would improve their infield defense and offensive output if signed. With Fried's potential impact, the Yankees need to solidify their infield to maximize their offseason gains and improve their competitive edge in the upcoming season.

As spring training approaches, the New York Mets are actively searching for players to strengthen their bench for the upcoming 2025 season. A notable name in consideration is former fan favorite Mark Canha, who previously played for the Mets during the 2022 and part of the 2023 seasons. Reports indicate that the Mets have extended a non-guaranteed contract offer to Canha, who contributed significantly to the team's 101-win season in 2022, posting a .259 batting average with 19 home runs and 90 RBIs over 229 games. His versatility allowed him to play both corner infield and outfield positions.

After being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2023 season, Canha had a mixed 2024 season, splitting his time between the Detroit Tigers and San Francisco Giants, with a batting average of .242. Despite an apparent decline in some of his performance metrics, Canha's consistent on-base skills and league-leading hit-by-pitch records suggest he could still serve as a valuable asset off the bench. The Mets are also weighing the future of infielder Jose Iglesias, who may not be re-signed, highlighting the need for a reliable veteran in their lineup.

Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos has voiced his belief that New York Mets utility player Jose Iglesias deserved the National League MVP award over Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani for the 2024 season.

In a recent podcast with Chris Rose from Jomboy Media, Castellanos highlighted Iglesias's significant impact on the Mets, suggesting that his presence revitalized teammates and contributed to the team’s overall success.

Iglesias had an impressive season, boasting a .337 batting average and contributing significantly despite only playing in half the games. However, Castellanos's endorsement of Iglesias as MVP raises questions, particularly given Ohtani's historic season where he combined 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, leading the Dodgers to a World Series win.

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed the unanimous NL MVP title for the season, marking a historic achievement as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. However, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos made a compelling case for New York Mets player Jose Iglesias as his MVP choice. Iglesias, signed to a minor league deal, significantly impacted the Mets' success after being called up in late May.

In 85 games, Iglesias delivered impressive stats with a .337 batting average, four homers, and elite defensive skills. Castellanos praised Iglesias for his role in revitalizing the team, suggesting that he helped unite the players and steer the organization in a positive direction. Castellanos emphasized that Iglesias's contributions went beyond statistics, indicating his leadership and influence were crucial in the Mets' journey to the playoffs, where they eliminated the Phillies before facing the Dodgers.

Jose Iglesias, a versatile infielder and fan favorite, is currently a free agent, but he's expressed a desire to return to the New York Mets. The Mets are focused on re-signing star first baseman Pete Alonso and adding an outfielder, but there’s potential for Iglesias to be brought back on a one-year deal if these priorities are handled.

Iglesias made a significant impact last season after being called up from Triple-A Syracuse. His impressive performance helped the Mets reach the postseason, culminating in a deep playoff run. He finished the season with a .337 batting average and a .829 OPS over 85 games, showcasing his all-around skills at multiple infield positions.