The New York Yankees are third base problem and it’s a growing one that could get worse as the season goes on. With DJ LeMahieu out again with another injury (no timetable for return yet) the team is left scrambling for answers at a position they didn’t really address in the offseason. The options now? Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera, two guys whose track record doesn’t exactly inspire you to put them in the every day lineup.
Trading for Nolan Arenado has been discussed but the Yankees have shown no willingness to move the necessary pieces or take on even a portion of his contract. And now one of the more affordable free agents, Jose Iglesias, is off the board after he signed with the San Diego Padres.
LeMahieu’s Injury: A Disaster for the Yankees
DJ LeMahieu was supposed to be the Opening Day third baseman, but injuries have become his new reality. Now the Yankees are in a bind, especially with no timeline for his return.
This is what happens when you don’t address third base in the offseason. Now with LeMahieu out (at least for now) the Yankees are stuck with internal options that many think aren’t up to the task.
Jose Iglesias: Missed Opportunity
One name that was floated as an option was Jose Iglesias , the former New York Mets infielder who had a nice 2023. Iglesias hit .337/.381/.448 in 85 games, with a 137 OPS+ and a 3.1 bWAR. He’s not a difference maker, but he’s experienced and reliable. That’s exactly what the Yankees need at a position where they desperately need it.
But as Robert Murray of FanSided first reported, Iglesias has signed with the San Diego Padres. Jon Heyman of The New York Post says it’s for $3 million if he makes the team, with an additional $1 million in incentives. For a team like the Yankees that’s a low risk, high reward signing. A move that would have softened the blow of LeMahieu’s injury.
But that ship has sailed. Iglesias is headed to San Diego and the Yankees have fewer options.
What’s Left for the Yankees?
With Iglesias off the market and Arenado out of reach the Yankees will have to roll into the season with their current trio: Oswald Peraza, Oswaldo Cabrera and a limited DJ LeMahieu. None of these players inspire much confidence as everyday starters especially against top competition.
Peraza and Cabrera have shown flashes but haven’t been able to handle a full load at the big league level. And relying on LeMahieu who has struggled to stay healthy in recent years feels like a gamble the Yankees can’t afford to make.## So What?
Third base is a major position and the Yankees not addressing it will come back to haunt them. Injuries are part of baseball but not having depth at key positions only makes it worse. The Yankees did nothing in the offseason and now they’re in a tough spot and will have to hope their internal options can step up.
For a team that’s supposed to win the World Series they can’t enter the season without a third baseman.