Cautious Yankees let Cabrera, Peraza lead four-way hot corner slot
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Follow UsAs the second week of spring training unfolds under the Florida sun, the New York Yankees find themselves no closer to resolving one of their most pressing lineup questions: Who will man third base when the team opens the season on March 27 against the Brewers?
The competition for the hot corner remains in full swing with four candidates — veteran DJ LeMahieu, utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, former prospect Oswald Peraza, and newcomer Jorbit Vivas — all still in contention for the starting role.
Manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman have made it clear that the position is up for grabs, with all four players having a legitimate shot at winning the job before Opening Day.
Yankees reluctant to commit LeMahieu early
DJ LeMahieu, the presumptive favorite entering camp, has yet to appear in an exhibition game. According to Boone, the three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion is expected to make his spring debut either Saturday or Monday, following a deliberately paced ramp-up similar to the schedules of Aaron Judge and Austin Wells.
The 36-year-old infielder is looking to rebound from a difficult 2024 campaign in which he posted career-low numbers with a .204 batting average, .269 on-base percentage, and .527 OPS — a stark departure from his Gold Glove-caliber performance of previous seasons.
While the delayed start isn’t considered a major concern within the organization, every missed opportunity gives LeMahieu’s competitors additional chances to impress the coaching staff.
Versatility giving Cabrera an edge?
Oswaldo Cabrera, who has served as a valuable utility player for the Yankees, has begun making his case with timely hitting after a slow start to the Grapefruit League schedule.
The 25-year-old rebounded from back-to-back 0-for-3 performances against Toronto and Minnesota with a home run against Philadelphia on February 27, followed by another hit against the Blue Jays the next day.
Spring Stats So Far:
- Feb. 22 vs. Blue Jays: 0-for-3
- Feb. 25 vs. Twins: 0-for-3
- Feb. 27 vs. Phillies: 1-for-3, HR
- Feb. 28 vs. Blue Jays: 1-for-3
Cabrera’s defensive versatility — he has demonstrated the ability to play multiple positions — gives him added value in the competition. His capacity to provide solid defense at third base is particularly important given the Yankees’ emphasis on improved infield defense this season.
Cabrera has gone 2-for-12 at the plate through his first four spring appearances, with both hits coming in his most recent games. If this upward trend continues, he could emerge as a serious contender for the starting role.
Peraza surging ahead in make-or-break spring
Perhaps the most intriguing performer thus far has been Oswald Peraza, the 24-year-old infielder who has reached a career crossroads. Out of minor league options, Peraza must either make the Yankees’ roster or be exposed to waivers, where he would likely be claimed by another organization.
Peraza has been solid at both third base and shortstop and has yet to strike out in his first four games. His ability to make contact and put the ball in play has been encouraging, while his speed has helped him beat out double-play attempts and score from second with ease.
Through four spring games, Peraza is batting .333 (3-for-9) with two runs scored and an RBI. His spring statistics show consistent performance:
- February 21 vs. Rays: 1-for-2, BB, R
- February 23 vs. Tigers: 0-for-2
- February 26 vs. Cardinals: 1-for-2, R
- February 28 vs. Blue Jays: 1-for-3, RBI, R
If Peraza continues to impress with his bat and defense, he could force his way into the Yankees’ plans at third base, especially if LeMahieu continues to struggle.
Dark horse Vivas’ injury delays his start
The dark horse in the competition, Jorbit Vivas, remains sidelined with a sore shoulder that has prevented him from appearing in spring games. Boone has indicated that Vivas is close to making his debut, but every missed opportunity puts him further behind in the competition.
After making a strong impression last spring, Vivas will need to hit the ground running once he returns if he hopes to crack the opening-day roster. The Yankees will likely give him a chance to prove himself, but time is working against him.
Implications for Yankees’ infield alignment
The third base decision carries significant implications for the Yankees’ overall infield configuration. With Paul Goldschmidt at first base, Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second, and Anthony Volpe at shortstop, third base remains the final piece of the infield puzzle.
The Yankees have placed increased emphasis on infield defense following last season’s playoff performance, making defensive capabilities a crucial factor in the evaluation process.
Cashman has maintained that the organization is comfortable with internal options at third base, despite speculation that the Yankees might pursue a trade for additional infield help.
Decision timeline
With Opening Day approximately three weeks away, the Yankees‘ decision timeline is coming into focus. The team typically solidifies roster decisions in the final week of spring training, giving competitors approximately 15-18 more exhibition games to state their cases.
As spring training continues, the Yankees must decide whether they will go with a full-time starter at third or employ a platoon:
- If LeMahieu regains his offensive form, he’s the clear favorite given his experience and past success.
- If Cabrera continues to flash power and provide a strong defense, he could work his way into a bigger role.
- If Peraza keeps improving and showing defensive versatility, he could push his way into an everyday spot.
- If Vivas returns and makes an impact, the Yankees will have a tough decision to make.
For now, the battle remains one of the biggest storylines for the Yankees as they prepare for the 2025 season.
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