Cabrera claims inside track for Yankees’ third base job after LeMahieu setback

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With spring training entering its final stretch, the New York Yankees’ third base competition has narrowed significantly following veteran DJ LeMahieu’s latest injury setback, with Oswaldo Cabrera positioning himself as the likely Opening Day starter.

“Cabrera appears to have the inside lane to getting the majority of reps at third base,” according to insider Greg Joyce.

LeMahieu’s persistent calf issues have sidelined the three-time All-Star once again, transforming what was initially expected to be a four-player battle into a two-man race between Cabrera and fellow infielder Oswald Peraza.

“Regardless of anything going on with DJ, I very much envisioned Oswaldo very much in that mix, especially against right-handed pitching,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Sunday’s exhibition game against Atlanta. “We’ll see how it shakes [out].”

The 25-year-old Cabrera, known primarily for his defensive versatility, has spent the offseason focusing on offensive consistency — particularly from the right side of the plate as a switch-hitter. With just over two weeks remaining before New York’s March 27 season opener against Milwaukee, Cabrera appears to have the inside track for the starting role.

Offensive development key to Cabrera choice

Cabrera’s 2024 campaign represented a tale of two seasons. Through his first 67 games, he struggled with a .227 batting average and modest .606 OPS. However, his late-season surge — batting .292 with a .776 OPS over his final 42 games — has given the Yankees front office reason for optimism.

His split statistics remain concerning, particularly his effectiveness against left-handed pitching. Last season, Cabrera posted a respectable .268 average with a .729 OPS against right-handers but managed just a .190 average and .469 OPS against lefties.

“I feel like it’s something I can handle,” Cabrera said regarding the possibility of an everyday role at third base. “I think I’m ready for it.”

The Venezuelan utility man has emphasized regaining his rhythm as a right-handed batter, acknowledging last season’s struggles in key moments from that side of the plate. If his second-half momentum carries into 2025, Cabrera could provide reliable production at the bottom of a Yankees lineup that features stars like Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger.

Peraza still contending for a spot

For 24-year-old Oswald Peraza, LeMahieu’s injury opens a potential path to the Opening Day roster, though Boone made it clear he’ll need to earn his spot despite being out of minor league options.

“I think Oswald’s still gotta earn that though,” Boone emphasized. “I like how he looks so far. Feel like there’s an energy he’s bringing to the field every day, which is important. Feel like he’s really playing the position well.”

Peraza’s defensive abilities have never been questioned, but his offensive production remains a significant concern. Through 74 major league games across three seasons, he has managed just a .216 batting average with a .612 OPS.

During Sunday’s spring training contest, Peraza started at third base while Cabrera displayed his versatility by playing shortstop for five innings before shifting to first base. This flexibility has been both Cabrera’s greatest asset and a potential limitation — securing an everyday role at third would reduce Boone’s ability to utilize him across multiple positions.

Yankees’ third base options moving forward

With LeMahieu expected to miss significant time to begin the regular season, the Yankees appear poised to enter 2025 with Cabrera as their primary third baseman. His defensive reliability, positional flexibility, and late-2024 offensive improvements give him a clear advantage in the competition.

However, the organization hasn’t ruled out alternative arrangements. If Cabrera’s struggles against left-handed pitching persist or if Peraza demonstrates offensive growth, a platoon situation could emerge. Under such a scenario, Cabrera would likely handle the majority of starts against right-handed pitching, with Peraza facing lefties.

Industry sources have also suggested the Yankees could explore external options via trade or free agency if neither internal candidate proves satisfactory by Opening Day. The free agent market still includes several veterans with third-base experience who could provide short-term solutions.

The Yankees’ third base decision holds particular significance for the team’s infield defense and lineup construction heading into a season with championship expectations. With the American League East projected to be highly competitive in 2025, even seemingly minor roster decisions could ultimately impact the division race.

For now, Cabrera appears to have positioned himself as the frontrunner, but as Boone emphasized, the competition remains fluid: “How much does Peraza push himself into the mix as a real option, whether it’s on a platoon scenario or what? We’ll just let it play itself out.”

As the Yankees enter the final weeks of spring training in Tampa, all eyes will be on the third base battle that could significantly influence the team’s infield alignment when they take the field at Yankee Stadium in late March.

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