Breaking: Yankees Add Former Oakland Star—Is This the Missing Piece?

The New York Yankees have bolstered their infield depth by claiming CJ Alexander off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, the team announced Sunday. Alexander had been designated for assignment on June 5 after being optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas to clear a roster spot for Max Muncy’s return.

Originally picked up by Oakland from the Royals last September, Alexander spent most of his time in Triple-A before getting a brief call-up to the majors on May 23. In six games with the A’s, he went 3-for-17 (.176) with eight strikeouts.

Across 42 minor league games this season, the 6-foot-5 left-handed hitter batted .252 with a .348 on-base percentage and hit 10 home runs. He showcased his versatility by logging innings at first base, third base, and both corner outfield spots—something he continued during his time with Oakland.

In a recent interview with Athletics on SI, Alexander admitted he’s still adjusting to the speed of major league play. One of his most promising tools is his elite bat speed—averaging 74.9 mph, which ranks among the top 25 in the majors. That’s the same range as power hitters like Elly De La Cruz and Byron Buxton. However, Alexander has yet to consistently square up the ball at the big-league level.

The Yankees may see a developmental project in Alexander, particularly given their advanced player development systems—widely considered superior to those in Oakland or Kansas City. With better pitch recognition and improved contact, there’s potential for him to contribute down the line.

That said, Alexander will need to cut down on his strikeout rate, which sits at an alarming 44% in limited MLB action. His profile—versatile, left-handed, but unproven—resembles that of Pablo Reyes, a right-handed utility player who has struggled to make an impact in New York this season.

For now, Alexander gives the Yankees another option in their infield mix, and possibly a project worth refining with the right tools and coaching.