Can Ji-Man Choi Be the Answer at First Base for the Yankees?

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 20: Ji-Man Choi /

After a brief return to the major leagues that turned out to be no different than before, the Yankees designated Chris Carter for assignment once again on Tuesday. His replacement at first base will be Ji-Man Choi, who was called up from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.

Ji-Man Choi, 25-year-old, has spent the entire 2017 season with the RailRiders, but has seen action in the majors before.

In 2016, he played 54 games with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In those games, Choi hit .170 with five home runs, 12 RBI, and 27 strikeouts.

Despite his low average, Choi was able to maintain a .611 OPS and walk 19 times during his 112 at-bats.

For comparison, Chris Carter walked 19 times in 182 at-bats this season with the Yankees. Therefore, although he isn’t the most productive hitter, Choi will be more patient, see more pitches, and get on base more often than Carter did.

Choi has stepped up his game down in Triple-A so far this season.

The lefty has hit eight home runs while driving in 43 runs with a .289 average. He’s totaled 55 hits, 27 runs, and 25 walks in 190 at-bats during his 56-game stint in Scranton. Choi’s .876 OPS and .371 slugging percentage are also much improved from last season with the Angels.

The Yankees hope he can replicate his minor league success this season at the major league level.

With an error in the field and an 0-for-3 day at the plate yesterday, Chris Carter made it easy for the Yankees to designate him for assignment once again.

With Greg Bird potentially done for the season, Tyler Austin still on the disabled list, Matt Holiday battling a viral infection, and Austin Romine unable to play at first base every day, Choi will have a chance to make a good impression and earn a spot in the lineup.

Next: Trade Options for Yankees at First Base

Choi is the next man up to try to make it work at a position that has been productive for the Yankees in the past. Perhaps he will be the first reliable first baseman for New York all season.

He has a good chance of being optioned back to Scranton once Austin gets healthy or if the Yankees trade for a first baseman in a few weeks. However, with solid play, the South Korean native could prevent that from happening.

Choi has an opportunity to provide a nice stop-gap until the Yankees get healthy.

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