The Yankees have called up infielder Jorbit Vivas on July 12, giving the 23-year-old his first chance in the Majors. Vivas was acquired from the Dodgers, the team that signed him as an international free agent seven years ago, last winter. Here’s a look at what to expect from the new Yankees infielder.
A Look at Vivas
Yankees infield prospect Jorbit Vivas was a hot name in the Dodgers system for some time. Vivas was rated the ninth-best prospect per MLB.com in the Los Angeles (NL) farm after 2022, mainly off the heels of a strong 2021 campaign. The now-23-year-old hit .312/.396/.496 with 14 home runs and 44 extra-base hits across two levels (A and A+).
Vivas has continued to be a steady hitter, albeit one who’s yet to replicate those results at any level over the last three campaigns. The Yankees infielder cracked 12 home runs and 21 stolen bases in Double-A last season but was shipped out to New York along with Victor Gonzalez for Trey Sweeney in a deal made to re-align the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
Across three levels in 2024, primarily playing at Triple-A, Vivas hit .252/.397/.396 with nine stolen bases and 12 extra-base hits.
The 23-year-old is an interesting prospect, for various reasons. One, Vivas gets on base — a lot. The Yankee infielder owns a career .384 OBP, consistently working counts and accruing walks. Vivas walked 69 times last season, compared to 71 strikeouts. Scouting reports have lauded his hand-eye coordination, which helps him put the ball in play.
Speaking of scouting reports, MLB.com rates his future power grade at 40, slightly below average. However, Vivas’ swing profile — at least in my estimation — and strength should likely put him more in the 45 range, while his contact tool is closer to 50 than 55. When I saw Vivas during a rehab assignment with Hudson Valley (A+) this past May, he worked counts with ease.
And, his swing has fluidity and loft; it’s not a flat, level swing compared to Luis Arraez, a player Vivas received some comparisons to years ago. But, it doesn’t have too much length.
Vivas played some time at third base this season with Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA). However, most of his time was spent at second base. Reports have indicated below-average arm strength, which would make second base a better fit.
The Yankees called up Jorbit Vivas to replace the recently acquired infielder J.D. Davis, who hit the IL with a stomach virus.
Analysis
The last three weeks before the All-Star break have been tough for the Yankees. From June 23 through July 11, the Yankees won just three games, compared to 12 losses. New York’s slid to the first AL Wild Card slot and could fall even further given the recent play of the Twins.
It would not be wise to expect Vivas to be a savior. However, his left-handed bat could be helpful in the short term, especially given the struggles of Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu. LeMahieu owns an OPS of .525 and is currently dealing with a neck injury. Torres, meanwhile, has a .637 OPS.
From a long-term view, Vivas has an opportunity to give himself a chance to prove he can hit at the MLB level. If he does, Vivas could be an option at second for the Yankees in 2025, assuming Torres hits free agency.
Fantasy Outlook
Our recommendation is to wait on Vivas, simply because it’s unknown how much time he’ll get at the MLB level. But given how things have gone for the Yankees in recent weeks, Vivas is an intriguing name to watch.