The New York Yankees are actively searching for a suitable infielder to address their current roster gap. Despite recent links to various free agents, including former San Diego Padres player Ha-Seong Kim, a deal remains elusive.

MLB on FOX writer Deesha Thosar highlighted Kim as a prime candidate, noting the Yankees' need for players who can effectively get on base following the trade of Gleyber Torres. Kim's exceptional baserunning skills and plate discipline could significantly enhance the Yankees' lineup, especially alongside star Aaron Judge.

The San Diego Padres are exploring options for a backup plan in case they cannot re-sign outfielder Jurickson Profar. One potential target is Alex Verdugo, a free agent and former Los Angeles Dodgers player. After being traded to the New York Yankees from the Boston Red Sox, Verdugo had a lackluster season, hitting .233 with 13 home runs.

Despite his struggles, Verdugo is recognized for his solid defense and respected presence in the clubhouse. If Profar departs, the Padres may consider Verdugo, while other teams like the Giants, Pirates, and Diamondbacks could also be interested in him as a depth option.

Jarret DeHart, recently dismissed by the Seattle Mariners, has joined the New York Yankees as their new Director of Hitting. This significant career move comes as the Yankees seek to build on their recent success, having reached the World Series in 2024. In a recent interview, DeHart expressed enthusiasm for his new role and shared insights about the young prospects he’s eager to develop.

DeHart's baseball journey includes notable stints at LSU and Tulane, where he demonstrated his capability as a player with 14 home runs. His coaching career began in the Mariners’ minor league system in 2018, leading to a promotion to assistant hitting coach two years later. His tenure with the Mariners ended abruptly after the team suffered a significant decline in standings, leading to both his and manager Scott Servais' dismissals.

The 2024 MLB season was predominantly shaped by the performances of Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge, two players whose impact on the game is undeniable. Ohtani, who secured MVP honors for the third consecutive year, played a pivotal role in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a World Series title. Meanwhile, Aaron Judge clinched his second AL MVP award and propelled the New York Yankees to the American League pennant, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier talents.

Both players consistently shattered records, with Judge notably achieving a batting average of .322, hitting 58 home runs, driving in 144 runs, and boasting an impressive 1.159 OPS along with a 10.8 WAR across 158 games. He led the league in most of these categories, narrowly missing out on the batting title to Bobby Witt Jr. Ohtani, on the other hand, displayed his remarkable versatility by hitting .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, and 59 stolen bases, achieving a historic 50-50 season without stepping onto the field defensively. This performance earned him his first World Series ring.

As the baseball world looks forward to the 2025 season, the anticipation surrounding Judge and Ohtani remains high. Their record-breaking seasons and status as two of the highest-paid athletes in the sport ensure they will continue to be the focus of fans and analysts alike, particularly in terms of their search popularity on platforms like StatMuse.

Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians has once again secured a top-five finish in the MVP voting, marking his fifth such finish in the last eight years. Despite not winning, he consistently garners recognition, finishing fifth in the 2024 voting with a total of 184 points.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge claimed the 2024 American League MVP title. Ramirez's performance included a .279 batting average, 39 home runs, and 41 stolen bases, showcasing his enduring talent as he approaches his 12th season.