Alex Cora talks Nick Yorke's position change
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Nick Yorke was optioned to the minor leagues. But his new story might be just getting going.
The 2020 Red Sox first-round pick will be introduced to a new position - left field - according to Sox manager Alex Cora. While Yorke will still stay primarily at second base, where he performed well throughout the Grapefruit League schedule, the shift signals how the organization views Yorke's skillset and situation.
"I think they are going to introduce him to left field," Cora said. "He’s a good athlete. Big. Strong. And he moves well. He moves really well. They’re going to probably try and do that."
For starters, with the acquisition of 23-year-old Vaughn Grissom, and the emergence of current starter Enmanuel Valdez, there appears to be a positional roadblock for the player MLB Pipeline designated as the Red Sox' No. 8 prospect. And that's not even factoring in the looming decision regarding top prospect Marcelo Mayer.
And then there is Yorke's overall athletic ability, which potentially lends itself to a move to the outfield.
As for how the Red Sox are approaching their current second base rotation heading into the 2024 season, Cora noted that the plan is to platoon Valdez with either Pablo Lopez or Ceddanne Rafaela.