The New York Yankees are looking to bolster their bench for the upcoming season, with reports indicating their interest in infielder Gio Urshela and utility player Kiké Hernández. The team aims to add depth and versatility to their roster as they prepare for a competitive campaign.

One position that seems relatively secure is that of the backup catcher, with Austin Wells or Ben Rortvedt likely to fill that role. Although Rortvedt is out of options, the Yankees may have faith in his abilities.

Another spot that is expected to be filled is the fourth outfielder position, which appears to be earmarked for Trent Grisham. Grisham's skill set and contributions from the previous season make him an ideal candidate to provide support in the outfield.

In the past, the Yankees had high hopes for Oswaldo Cabrera, giving him significant playing time in left field to kick off the previous season. While Cabrera's versatility and ability to play multiple positions could make him an asset in a utility role, the team is keeping a close eye on his swing adjustments. In 2022, Cabrera proved to be a valuable off-the-bench player, impressing with a .740 OPS in 44 games. However, he struggled when taking on a regular role, posting a meager .574 OPS in 115 games. Whether or not Cabrera can reignite his performance will impact his potential utility role for the Yankees.

As for top prospect Oswald Peraza, the Yankees are unlikely to keep him on the bench. Instead, they plan on giving him the opportunity to gain valuable playing time at the Triple-A level. Peraza's defensive skills make him a strong candidate for the everyday shortstop position, should Anthony Volpe suffer an injury. In such a scenario, Cabrera could be called upon to provide temporary support, with Peraza being called up from the minors when needed.

Looking to round out their bench, the Yankees are contemplating their options with regards to free agents. There are few appealing choices remaining on the market, although one potential candidate is Donovan Solano. Solano impressed last season, boasting a 110 OPS+ in 134 games for the Minnesota Twins and even making a brief appearance with the Yankees in 2016. If Solano is not pursued, the team may explore a trade for a spare part towards the end of spring training. With two trades already completed since November with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Yankees could potentially target someone like Kevin Padlo, who is known for his power-hitting but also prone to strikeouts. Another consideration could be Eduardo Escobar if he fails to secure a roster spot with the Toronto Blue Jays.

As the Yankees fine-tune their roster before the start of the season, acquiring additional bench strength remains a priority. The addition of Urshela, Hernández, Solano or potentially a trade acquisition would go a long way in fortifying their squad and providing valuable depth for a successful campaign.