A year after the Yankees missed out on the Cameron Maybin sweepstakes, they finally have him. And he's pumped up.
The Yankees acquired Maybin, a 32-year-old outfielder who had played 14 games at the Triple-A level this year, from the Cleveland Indians on Thursday in exchange for cash considerations.
And with five outfielders -- as well as several key infielders and pitchers -- on the injured list, Maybin will make his Yankees debut Friday against Madison Bumgarner and the San Francisco Giants.
"I'm extremely excited about being a part of a storied franchise like this, with a group of guys who are trying to do something special every year," Maybin said, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "I'm excited to hopefully provide a spark. I know they're having some tough times with injuries."
"Some tough times" may be an understatement. Aaron Hicks has been out since spring training with a back strain. Giancarlo Stanton healed from a biceps strain but needed a cortisone shot for a shoulder issue. Aaron Judge is out indefinitely with a "significant" oblique injury. And Jacoby Ellsbury hasn't played since 2017 with various injuries.
Earlier this week, Clint Frazier suffered a partial tear in his ankle, which forced him onto the IL for what the team hopes is a 10-to-14-day stint. The Yankees' outfield the past two games featured Tyler Wade in left, Brett Gardner in center and Mike Tauchman in right.
Enter Maybin, whom the Yankees tried targeting near the trade deadline from the Marlins last season but ultimately lost out to the Mariners. Maybin has a .216/.388/.275 batting line with no home runs and five RBIs with Triple-A Columbus. Last year, he slashed .249/.326/.336 with four home runs and 28 RBIs in 129 games.
"He has been getting on base," Boone said. "It's a veteran guy with a track record that can play the positions. Obviously, in our situation right now, that was something that attracted us."
Maybin started 2019 with the Giants during spring training but was cut midway through. Since debuting as a 20-year-old in 2007, Maybin has played for seven teams, hitting .254/.322/.368 with 60 home runs and 315 RBIs.
"I'm always very gracious and appreciative, just being able to play the game," Maybin said. "I love the game, so my attitude is always gratitude. To be able to come here and be part of an organization like this, it's special."