Major League Baseball

Sources: Yankees express interest in INF Jhonny Peralta

Published Nov. 18, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

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The New York Mets have crosstown competition in the pursuit of free agent Jhonny Peralta.

The Yankees have expressed interest in the 31-year-old infielder, major-league sources told FOX Sports.

Peralta appears to be an ideal fit for the Yankees, particularly if Alex Rodriguez misses all or most of the 2014 season. A-Rod will be out for the entire season and part of 2015 if his performance-enhancing drug suspension is upheld following an ongoing appeal.

Peralta hit the open market after serving his 50-game suspension for involvement in the Biogenesis scandal; A-Rod was the only major leaguer to appeal his suspension in connection with the probe.

Peralta can play third base – Rodriguez’s usual position – and also spell Derek Jeter at shortstop, where Peralta has spent most of his decade-plus in the major leagues.

Peralta also learned how to play left field before returning to the Detroit Tigers for the final three games of the 2013 regular season and playoffs. Peralta has a .606 OPS in a very small sample size (84 career plate appearances) as a designated hitter.

Peralta is coming off the second All-Star selection of his career. He finished the season with an .815 OPS in 107 games with the Tigers.
 

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