Constraints force Yankees to revisit risky free-agent 3B fix

The New York Yankees have made several good moves this offseason, but a glaring issue remains unresolved: their third base situation. As spring training looms, manager Aaron Boone has listed DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza as the primary candidates for the role. However, none of these options inspire confidence that they can provide the offensive production necessary to solidify the Yankees’ infield.

LeMahieu struggled significantly in 2024, seeing a steep decline in his offensive output. Cabrera is best utilized as a utility player rather than an everyday starter at third base, and Peraza has yet to prove he can consistently hit at the major league level. Banking on one of them to emerge as an above-average solution is a significant gamble, making it imperative for the Yankees to explore external options.

Enter Yoan Moncada: A buy-low candidate with limited upside

One intriguing option is switch-hitting infielder Yoan Moncada, who was recently let go by the Chicago White Sox. Plagued by injuries in recent years, Moncada played in only 12 games during the 2024 season. However, when healthy, he has demonstrated the ability to be a legitimate offensive threat.

According to Mark W. Sanchez of the Post, the Yankees had previously requested Moncada’s medical records earlier in the offseason, indicating at least some level of interest in his potential fit in the Bronx.

“Early in the offseason, the Yankees asked for and received medical information on Moncada, who played just 12 games with the White Sox last season because of an adductor strain,” Sanchez reported. “A source said the Yankees have not re-engaged on Moncada, which could change when the domino that is Bregman and other infielders are taken off the board.”

Back in 2021, Moncada posted a respectable .263/.375/.412 slash line with 14 home runs, 61 RBIs, and a 120 wRC+. Even in a small 45-plate appearance sample in 2024, he batted .275/.356/.400, suggesting he still possesses offensive potential when he stays on the field.

Should the Yankees pursue Moncada, they would likely deploy him at third base, a position he hasn’t regularly manned since 2018. With Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s transition to second base already planned, finding stability at third base remains a priority.

Concerns for Yankees

The primary concern with Moncada is his durability—he hasn’t played more than 130 games in a season since 2021. Despite this, given his likely low acquisition cost, he still presents a better offensive alternative than the current in-house Yankees options.

The Yankees aren’t the only team considering Moncada. The Seattle Mariners, Chicago Cubs, and Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked to him. After the White Sox declined their $25 million club option on Moncada, his free agency market opened up, offering multiple teams a chance to take a flyer on a once-highly touted prospect looking for a fresh start.

Chicago’s decision to move on from Moncada wasn’t surprising. His tenure with the White Sox was inconsistent—over eight seasons, he slashed .254/.332/.425 across 3,122 plate appearances. A former elite prospect, he signed a five-year, $70 million extension with the White Sox before the 2020 season but never quite lived up to those expectations.

Now, as he aims to rebuild his value, Moncada faces the challenge of proving he can remain healthy and productive. Even as a part-time player in New York, he would enter a high-pressure environment on a Yankees team expected to contend.

The Defense trade-off

While Moncada brings offensive upside, he is not known as an elite defender at third base. Across 4,467.2 career innings at the position, he has been serviceable but not spectacular. If the Yankees were to sign him, they would need to accept a potential defensive downgrade in exchange for improved offensive production at third.

Given the Yankees’ current lineup, they may be willing to make that trade-off. Their infield defense already has stability with Anthony Volpe at shortstop and Gleyber Torres at second, meaning they might be able to compensate for a slightly weaker defensive third baseman.

A smarter long-term move?

While adding Moncada would be a step in the right direction, he is not a transformative acquisition that single-handedly elevates the Yankees to championship contention. Ideally, the team would target a high-impact infielder who is still in arbitration, providing cost control while remaining under the $301 million fourth luxury tax threshold.

That said, Moncada represents a low-risk, high-upside move. His presence would provide insurance in case LeMahieu’s decline continues or if Peraza and Cabrera fail to produce. Given the Yankees’ need for a third base solution, signing Moncada would be a pragmatic decision that improves their weakest infield spot without a significant financial commitment.

Moncada now seeks an opportunity to revitalize his career, though joining the Yankees would place him under intense scrutiny from day one. Despite his injury history, industry interest suggests many believe a change of environment could unlock his potential.

A calculated risk worth taking?

As the Yankees continue evaluating their options, Moncada remains a viable solution to their third base woes. While durability concerns persist, his offensive potential makes him an attractive low-cost gamble. Multiple teams have expressed interest in him, indicating that he still holds value in the league. If the Yankees opt to make a move before Opening Day, Moncada could provide a bridge solution while they continue searching for a long-term answer at third base.

Whether or not the Yankees pull the trigger on signing Moncada, their third base situation remains a crucial issue to address. The next few weeks will determine if they stand pat or make an impactful move to bolster their infield ahead of the 2025 season.

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