Yankees to play Drury at 3B

General manager Brian Cashman admitted to chasing Brandon Drury for months, and doing so with a plan in mind: slotting him at third base.

Coach Phil Nevin, who spent the previous three seasons in Arizona and working with Drury on the Diamondbacks' coaching staff, helped push Cashman's appreciation for Drury to a new level. Cashman said he first broached acquiring Drury during the MLB Winter Meetings in December and ramped up talks last month.

"He is someone I think the industry has valued for a while because I know we have," Cashman said.

Acquired in a three-way trade with the Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Rays, Drury was the primary second baseman in Arizona last season. He also has logged time at both corner outfield positions and third base.

After letting Todd Frazier leave in free agency and dealing Chase Headley back to the San Diego Padres, the Yankees coveted Drury to nail down the hot corner.

Drury, 25, hit 31 home runs in three seasons with the Diamondbacks, but the Yankees project a power surge that began in the second half of last season to continue.

"We believe there is some more gas in that tank," Cashman said. "Our pro scouts are really high on his potential to dream on a little bit, so we are going to dream on a little bit. At the very least, we are happy with where he is at and what he is capable of. I think there is power in there, which he has already shown at the big league level," Boone said. "But I think his athleticism will allow him to potentially take another step. This is a guy that has had success already, but hasn't had a regular role and I think he has that opportunity here."

--Field Level Media