The Yankees have two outfielders that are turning some heads this spring, in Willie Calhoun and Rafael Ortega, both of whom could solve the Yankees left field question if they play well enough to finish off the spring. Calhoun, a former top prospect with the Dodgers and the Rangers, really found his footing in 2019, hitting over 20 home runs in less than 100 games, then the wheels fell off, he dealt with injuries and overall played poorly. The Yankees might have a reclamation project here as he’s a lefty bat who plays left field, and has some power.
Rafael Ortega signed a Minor league deal with the Yankees back in January, and he’s a good veteran piece who could also win this LF job. Ortega spent the last few years in Chicago with the Cubs where he saw various results, however he does project decently well around a league average hitter, and could be a nice bat in Yankee Stadium.
Yankees Will Have to Pick One
Calhoun and Ortega are either on MiLB deals or a non roster invite, and with INF Isiah Kiner-Falefa likely not being on the opening day roster, that leaves a spot for one of Ortega/Calhoun, especially if this battle for left field between Hicks, Cabrera, Calhoun and Ortega will go to the depths of spring. With just a few weeks of camp remaining, the Yankees could stash Calhoun in Triple-A if they like Ortega better or vice versa.
Matt Carpenter 2.0
Both of these outfielders are starting to be dubbed the “Matt Carpenter” of 2023, and though they very well could be, I wouldn’t be so sold on that until we see consistent production during the regular season for them, especially if one starts in the minors, you would hope the production would be there.
BS Reports 
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