The battle for third base is presumably heating up as we get deeper into spring training. Initial reports are that Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, and DJ Lemahieu would be battling for the position. So far we have yet to see DJ take to the field, which leaves us wondering if he’s in the mix at all.
Cabrera and Peraza are both young players with what should be a high ceiling. Neither of them have the slash lines of superstars, but they also haven’t been day to day starters at the big league level. Of the two, Cabrera has had more games, at bats, and overall opportunity. Typically notching just under 300 AB’s per year for the last two years, Cabrera hit a .229 average between them. Although not spectacular numbers, they definitely aren’t the worst among young players. He doesn’t have the playing time to really make accurate guesses on starter production, and Peraza certainly doesn’t. As someone who is all about the young players getting a shot to make a difference, this is arguably top of the list on exciting Yankees discussions.
DJ Lemahieu was also reportedly in the mix for potentially earning his place back on the roster. It’s uncertain whether that is true or not, as we have yet to see him in spring training. Many believed (myself included) that he would be DFA’d at the end of last season, primarily due to his lack of production and proneness to injury. Looking at stats alone, he’s seen a steady decrease in batting average and OBP since 2020. There are the rare exceptions of players having a resurgence, but it seems unlikely given the facts surrounding his last few years. He does have 2 years remaining on his contract, so the team likely isn’t encouraged to essentially throw that away, regardless of lackluster performance. However, the roster spot may prove too important to keep him on the bench, which would limit speed options and likely put him in an as-needed DH position. It isn’t worth it to take the liability at third given the defensive shortfalls, even later in the game.
Roster announcements are coming soon, but we likely won’t know the outcome of the third base battle until the season begins. The younger guys are always a positive when they flash the skills and bring some excitement to the game. On the other end of the spectrum, DJ’s situation is one of the reasons the Yankees and other teams are hesitant to give long contracts to older guys. He is a very talented player and has done a ton of great things at the Yankees and before, but health is completely unpredictable. Injuries are the unjust and unfair side of sports that shows no mercy, regardless of skill or talent. Regardless of if he stays with the team or moves on, the fans and team should be thankful for the positives and let him leave with a round of applause.
We’re looking forward to seeing how things continue to shake out through spring training. As new developments emerge be on the lookout for updates and catch up with us here through the season.
