In the Yankees' circle, the Focus Shifts to the Competitive Struggle for the Third Base Position
The Yankees are in a pickle at third base, with DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza all battling it out for a starting spot. The Bronx Bombers have some holes to fill after the offseason, but one glaring issue remains unsolved: who will claim the third base position?
New York's lineup currently features two starting quarterbacks, if you will – nobody truly dominant. LeMahieu is the incumbent, but his recent performance and contracts have raised some eyebrows. The Yankees signed him for a two-year deal back in 2019, but after posting stellar batting averages of .327 and .364, they re-signed him to a six-year, $90 million deal in 2021.
However, LeMahieu's numbers haven't been quite as impressive since then. He batted a mere .268 with a solid .345 on-base percentage, but his .375 slugging percentage was low enough to raise some concerns. In 2024, his performance tailed off, hitting a measly .204. Injuries played a role in this poor season, limiting him to only 67 games.
Financially speaking, the Yankees are somewhat committed to LeMahieu, given that they still owe him $30 million over the next two seasons. However, the question remains: with his diminished performance and defensive decline, is he truly a worthy investment?
Enter Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza, two youngsters angling for a spot in the starting lineup. Cabrera, now 26, has already gained some experience with the Yankees, playing a utility role strongly enough to hold onto. With a less-than-impressive career .233/.291/.352 batting line, he's a decent backup but not quite a strong enough contender for a starting position.
As a switch hitter, however, Cabrera might have an edge in a platoon role, considering both LeMahieu and Peraza bat right-handed. Cabrera's left-handed swing is particularly effective against right-handers, boasting a .268 batting average and .320 on-base percentage. While he faces southpaws, he has a more balanced approach, batting right-handed 67 times and left-handed 17 times in the 2024 season.
Peraza, at 24, is the youngest of the trio, but his major league experience is limited with only 259 plate appearances under his belt – just 11 last season while dealing with injuries. A former top-100 prospect, Peraza has a powerful glove but is a defense-first shortstop without many power strokes. The recent retirement of Gleyber Torres created an opening for Peraza to move to third, allowing him to demonstrate his potential with the Yankees.
With only one minor league option left, this is make-or-break year for Peraza, who needs a strong performance to keep his spot on the roster. If he falters, the Yankees may consider sending him through waivers or releasing him. Hopefully, his defense will cover some of his limited offensive shortcomings.
So, who's going to take the third base crown in New York? Only time will tell, but don't count out any of these three players yet – spring training will hold a few surprises, to be sure.
LeMahieu, despite his contract, is facing questions about his performance and worth as a third baseman for the Yankees. The Yankees spring training will be crucial for LeMahieu Yankees, as he aims to improve his batting stats. Oswaldo Cabrera Yankees and Oswaldo Peraza Yankees are also in the running for the third base position. Cabrera's left-handed swing could give him an advantage in a platoon role at third base. Peraza, the youngest of the trio, needs a strong performance during spring training to secure his spot on the Yankees roster. DJ LeMahieu, known for his versatility as a shortstop, is another option for the Yankees at third base, but his diminished performance and defensive decline have raised concerns. The Yankees third base position remains a significant challenge, with the Ad82089dbad5ba0c24ad593b9777ff65 salary cap also playing a role in the team's decisions.
