What position will Franchy Cordero play for the Yankees? Former Red Sox OF could be valuable backup piece

Franchy Cordero is a player who has always been plugging away at whatever team he is playing for in the background. Despite never garnering any real recognition, he is one of the strongest utility fielders in the game.

On the eve of the 2023 season, the New York Yankees agreed to terms with the 28-year old Dominican. Although he is unlikely to start on opening day, it is widely believed he will have a spot on the bench.

"Theo Epstein reacts to the Yankees signing Franchy Cordero" - FAX Sports: MLB

The New York Yankees have had their fair share of positional headaches this season. With rookies Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe providing strong competition against more established names like Gleyber Torres and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the fun has been never-ending for Yankees fans this spring.

However, it looks likely that Cordero will be used as a backup outfielder for the team. Although Cordero has played first base more than any other position for his former team, the Boston Red Sox, over the past two seasons, he also made 74 appearances in the outfield this spring. Cordero, however, is known for his proven athleticism in the outfield.

"You may remember Franchy Cordero from his supporting role in the critically-acclaimed film, "“The 2022 Boston Red Sox defense”" - Stanzo

Although Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are sure to start right and left field respectively, there remains a big question mark in center field. Harrison Bader, who arrived in New York after a late-season trade with the St. Louis Cardinals last season, was expected to play center field. However, the team announced that Bader will miss about six weeks with an oblique strain.

Although other options like Aaron Hicks and Spencer Jones are probably preferred options for Cordero, who has only hit .204 over the past two seasons, it is likely that Franchy Cordero will provide a solid bit of insurance should any more New York Yankees outfielders fall to injury in 2023.

New York Yankees fans should not expect Franchy Cordero to be a regular on their team

Cordero's acquisition was clearly a panic-move by the New York Yankees. After sustaining some key injuries in their rotation, they are intent on making sure the bleeding does not expand to the outfield.

Cordero has never played more than 80 games in a season, and Yankees fans have no reason to believe that he will start any more than that in 2023.