The New York Yankees enter the upcoming season with significant uncertainty surrounding their infield. With Gleyber Torres no longer on the roster and no major moves made in free agency or trades to address the void, the team faces difficult decisions regarding its internal options. Players like DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Jorbit Vivas are all potential solutions, but each comes with notable concerns.
DJ LeMahieu: Experienced but Unreliable
LeMahieu has been highlighted as a “prominent internal option” for third base, but his recent performance suggests he’s more of a fallback choice. Despite his defensive reliability, his offensive output has deteriorated. Last season, LeMahieu slashed a career-worst .204/.269/.259 with just two home runs in 67 games. Entering his age-36 season with two years and $30 million remaining on his contract, the Yankees must question whether he can still contribute meaningfully on an everyday basis.
Oswald Peraza: Defensive Upside, Offensive Doubts
Peraza’s defensive skills make him an intriguing candidate, but his offensive inexperience could be a major hurdle. Primarily a shortstop in the minors, Peraza has the tools to transition smoothly to second or third base. However, his limited offensive production in the majors leaves the Yankees wary of relying on him in a full-time role.
Oswaldo Cabrera: Versatile but Limited
Cabrera’s versatility is invaluable, allowing him to cover multiple positions across the diamond. However, his offensive profile—slashing .247/.296/.365 last season—lacks the punch needed for a regular infield role. The Yankees appear to view him as a long-term utility player, which limits his potential as a starting solution for a high-stakes infield spot.
Jorbit Vivas: A Potential Wild Card
Jorbit Vivas, acquired in a midseason trade, brings intrigue with his contact-oriented approach at the plate. Despite posting a modest .225 average last season in the minors, his left-handed bat could make him a spring training standout. However, his lack of major league experience and limited arm strength—which suits him better for second base than third—make him a gamble for a team aiming to contend immediately.
A Fragmented Approach
The Yankees appear set to rely on a patchwork strategy for their infield, banking on their depth to fill the gaps. While this approach might suffice temporarily, it’s unlikely to propel the team into serious contention. Relying on an aging LeMahieu, unproven youngsters like Peraza and Vivas, or utility players like Cabrera comes with significant risk.
BREAKING
If this group struggles to meet expectations, general manager Brian Cashman will likely need to explore trade options by midseason to find a more reliable solution. For now, the Yankees appear to be monitoring the trade market, hoping a starting-caliber infielder becomes available to solidify their roster.
