New York Yankees Seek Breakout Star Among Third Base Candidates…

s the New York Yankees gear up for the 2025 Major League Baseball season, one of the most pressing questions facing the organization is who will man the hot corner at third base.he departure of key infielders and the shifting dynamics of the roster have left a vacancy that the Yankees are eager to fill with a breakout star.his article delves into the current candidates vying for the position, the strategic considerations at play, and the potential impact on the team’s performance in the upcoming season. The Current Landscape

he Yankees’ infield has undergone significant changes recently.ith Gleyber Torres leaving in free agency and Jazz Chisholm Jr. expected to return to his natural position at second base, the third base spot is up for grabs.he organization is exploring both internal and external options to fill this critical role. Internal Candidates

1. DJ LeMahieu

   seasoned veteran, LeMahieu has been a cornerstone for the Yankees since signing a six-year, $90 million deal in 2020.owever, his 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just 67 games where he posted a .204 batting average with 2 home runs and 26 RBIs.espite these setbacks, General Manager Brian Cashman remains optimistic about LeMahieu’s potential contribution in 2025, stating, “He’s a pro and he’s gonna do everything in his power to be in position to contribute. I believe he’ll be healthy going into camp and will look to erase tough memories of the last two seasons. Injuries have derailed him.”citeturn0search2

2. Oswaldo Cabrera

   ince making his major league debut on August 17, 2022, Cabrera has showcased exceptional defensive versatility, playing multiple positions including second base, shortstop, and all outfield spots.n the 2024 season, he appeared in 109 games, recording a .247 batting average with 8 home runs and 36 RBIs.otably, Cabrera has accumulated 9 defensive runs saved at third base, underscoring his aptitude for the position.anager Aaron Boone has expressed enthusiasm about Cabrera’s potential at third base, highlighting his defensive prowess and adaptability.citeturn0search0

3. Oswald Peraza

   nother internal option is Oswald Peraza, who has been part of the Yankees’ system and offers a blend of offensive and defensive skills.hile his major league experience is limited, Peraza has shown promise in the minors and could be a dark-horse candidate for the third base role.is performance in spring training will be crucial in determining his readiness for a starting position.

4. Jorbit Vivas

   less heralded name in the mix is rookie Jorbit Vivas.ome projections suggest that Vivas could emerge as a surprise contender for the third base job.is performance during spring training will be closely monitored, and a strong showing could catapult him into the starting lineup.citeturn0search3 External Options

he Yankees have also explored external avenues to fill the third base vacancy.owever, the market presents challenges:

• Alex Bregman

  prominent free agent, Bregman would bring both offensive production and defensive experience to the Yankees.owever, reports indicate that he is expected to re-sign with the Houston Astros on a substantial contract, making his acquisition unlikely for the Yankees.citeturn0search3

• Willy Adames

  rimarily a shortstop, Adames has expressed openness to switching positions.n the previous season with the Milwaukee Brewers, he hit 32 home runs and drove in 112 runs, showcasing significant offensive prowess.igning Adames would require a considerable financial commitment, with estimates around $160 million for six years.citeturn0search1

• Trade Possibilities

  he Yankees have been linked to potential trade targets such as Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies and Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals.owever, the feasibility of these trades depends on various factors, including the willingness of the respective teams to part with these players and the assets the Yankees would need to offer in return.citeturn0search2 Strategic Considerations

everal factors influence the Yankees’ decision-making process regarding the third base position:

• Financial Constraints

  he Yankees are mindful of the luxury tax threshold.he substantial $18 million salary of pitcher Marcus Stroman, currently projected as the team’s No. 6 starter, is a point of concern.fforts to trade Stroman to free up financial resources have been unsuccessful thus far, limiting the team’s ability to pursue high-priced external options for third base.citeturn0news14

• Player Development Philosophy

  here is a renewed emphasis within the organization on nurturing internal talent.romoting from within not only aligns with this philosophy but also offers a cost-effective solution, allowing the Yankees to allocate resources to other areas of need, such as pitching and outfield depth.

• Positional Flexibility

  layers like Cabrera offer valuable versatility, providing coverage across multiple positions.his flexibility is advantageous in managing injuries, rest days, and strategic matchups throughout the grueling MLB season. Potential Impact on Team Performance

he decision on who will occupy third base has significant implications for the Yankees’ overall performance:

• Defensive Stability

  strong defensive presence at third base is crucial, given the position’s demands.abrera’s defensive metrics suggest he could provide the stability needed, potentially reducing errors and enhancing the infield’s overall performance.

• Offensive Contribution

  onsistent offensive production from the third base position can bolster the lineup.hile LeMahieu has a track record of offensive success, his recent injuries