The New York Yankees nearly have their entire starting lineup mapped out a month before the season is scheduled to get underway. The only question is who will be their starting second baseman? With Ronald Torreyes, Tyler Wade, Danny Espinosa, and Jace Peterson all vying for the gig, or at least attempting to become part of a platoon, a new face reported to Yankees training camp on Monday, and made a strong case for why he might have what it takes to be a part of this new version of baseball’s Murderers' Row. There’s just one problem: That “new guy” is Russell Wilson, the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
With a 31-ounce Louisville Slugger in his hands, Wilson mashed five home runs, including one that “came in a ninth-inning scenario.” His homer total may pale in comparison to the output of Yankee sluggers Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, but it's not bad for a guy who spends most of his time on a football field.
During his brief stint playing second base in the minor leagues from 2010 to 2011, Wilson—who was selected by the Texas Rangers in 2013—batted .229 with five homers in 315 at-bats.
Wilson will spend the next few days working out with the Yankees, but will not play in any games. Yanks manager Aaron Boone believes that having a successful athlete like Wilson can only help the players. His Super Bowl champion pedigree certainly won't hurt.
