New York Yankees they reached a minor league agreement with veteran wide receiver and free agent Robinson Chirinos, according to distinguished journalist Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. Chirinos, 36, has been a very good offensive receiver since winning a regular role with the Rangers in 2014, but came to a free agency at an inappropriate time this winter, after a difficult season split between Texas and the Mets.
Chirinos only hit a .162 / .232 / .243 line with a home run and an ISO of .081 82 plate appearances in 82 plate appearances. These numbers have faded compared to the .235 / .331 / .445 mark with 85 HR that Chirinos obtained in 1953 AP between Rangers and Astros in the last six seasons.
Chirinos has never been known as a major defensive asset, but if the Yankees are confident he will return to the set, he could push Kyle Higashioka for his backup role behind incumbent Gary Sanchez.
Higashioka is Gerrit Cole’s personal receiver, although Chirinos caught Cole in 2019 when they were members of the Astros. It will be the tenth season in MLB for the one born in Punto Fijo, Venezuela on June 5, 1984.