Various free agent pursuits had already made it clear that the Yankees wanted to add an experienced, versatile infielder. Now they may need one with DJ LeMahieu at risk of starting the season on the injured list.
LeMahieu entered camp as the Yankees’ starting third baseman and Aaron Boone’s preferred leadoff hitter after an offseason that had the veteran looking “more explosive” than he had been over a few uneven seasons the last few years. However, the 35-year-old is now dealing with “a pretty significant” bone bruise after fouling a ball off his right foot over the weekend.
A toe injury to that same foot dramatically compromised LeMahieu in 2022, so the Yankees are being cautious with the infielder despite the absence of a fracture. With spring training winding down, time is running out for LeMahieu to get back into games before Opening Day on March 28.
If LeMahieu can’t start the season on time, who would man the hot corner?
Oswald Peraza would have been the obvious answer, but he’s dealing with a shoulder strain that will keep him out for a while.
As far as internal options go, Oswald Cabrera makes sense. In addition to playing third, he can also serve as the backup at second base and first base, positions LeMahieu also plays. Cabrera, who plays the outfield as well, can also be Anthony Volpe’s backup at shortstop with Peraza out.
But with a starting job potentially opening, the Yankees were already unsettled on two bench spots. Cabrera, who still has minor league options, was among those competing for them, as was Jahmai Jones and Kevin Smith.
Jones has only played second base in the majors, and he’s logged just nine professional innings at third. However, he’s played all three outfield positions in the minors.
Jones is on the Yankees’ 40-man roster and doesn’t have any options left.
Neither does Smith, a non-roster invitee. However, his ability to play shortstop may give him an edge for a bench spot. Smith has also played first, second, third and corner outfield.
However, Cabrera, Jones and Smith haven’t had much offensive success in the majors. That could prompt the Yankees to seek outside help for at least one of these holes, especially with rosters starting to crunch as spring training nears its end.
“I feel like we have some people that we can rely on here, but any spring, we’ll always look external, too,” Brian Cashman said before LeMahieu’s foot injury. “We’ll see how the rest of camp plays out elsewhere, as well as trade conversations. Something that might not fit elsewhere might fit better here. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
When it comes to free agency, options are limited after the Yankees, unable to guarantee playing time, failed to land Kiké Hernández and Amed Rosario. Former Yankee Donovan Solano is still available, has a solid bat and can play first, second and third. However, it’s unclear how soon he would be ready to face major league pitching since he hasn’t been in camp with a team.
Jean Segura, Adalberto Mondesí, Evan Longoria and Jonathan Schoop have also lingered on the open market, but they’re not exactly enticing options. Meanwhile, veterans Tony Kemp and Josh Harrison just reentered free agency after failing to make the Reds’ roster.
Other veterans across the league will soon receive the same news. That could give the Yankees some more trade and free agent options for third and their bench before Opening Day.
