Insider explains why Yankees right-handed bat search might hit payroll roadblocks
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Follow UsThe New York Yankees’ ongoing search for stability at third base has taken on new urgency following DJ LeMahieu’s recent calf injury.
With Opening Day fast approaching, the team is reportedly looking for a right-handed hitter who can handle third base or potentially play a corner outfield role. This revelation, reported by Joel Sherman on Wednesday, underscores the front office’s recognition that their infield depth is far from settled.
“I know this for a fact—they are looking for a right-handed bat that plays either third base or corner outfield. They know it’s a problem,” Sherman stated.
DJ LeMahieu’s setback has amplified an already pressing issue for the Yankees. The veteran was expected to take on a key role at third base, but his injury status now raises questions about the team’s ability to rely on in-house options. With a limited free-agent market, potential trade targets, and financial constraints at play, the Yankees must carefully weigh their next move.
Assessing free-agent options
On Wednesday, MLB released an updated list of remaining free agents, and the available options at third base are slim. Among right-handed hitters with experience at the position, Brian Anderson and J.D. Davis remain viable candidates.
Anderson, 32, has yet to sign with a team after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers in October. While he offers defensive versatility, his offensive production has declined, making him an uncertain fit for the Yankees. Davis, meanwhile, signed a minor-league deal with the Los Angeles Angels in January. If he fails to secure a roster spot with the Angels by the end of Spring Training, he could become available once again.
Most other notable third basemen have already signed deals this offseason. Alex Bregman, one of the biggest names on the market, secured a three-year deal with the Boston Red Sox. Josh Rojas signed with the Chicago White Sox, while Jon Berti joined the Cubs. Yoan Moncada, another potential option, agreed to a one-year contract with the Angels. The Yankees’ options are increasingly limited unless they look to the trade market.
Could Willi Castro be the Yankees’ answer at third base?
With reports emerging that the Yankees are actively seeking a right-handed bat capable of playing third base or a corner outfield position, one potential candidate who fits the profile is Willi Castro, a versatile switch-hitter currently with the Minnesota Twins. Castro’s ability to play multiple positions and his offensive contributions make him an intriguing option for the Yankees. In 2024, he posted a .247 batting average with 12 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases across 558 at-bats, resulting in a 1.6 WAR. His overall career numbers are similar, with a .248 average, 45 home runs, and 195 RBIs over 1,923 at-bats, highlighting his consistency at the plate.
Castro’s versatility is one of his biggest assets. Over the past two seasons, he has shown defensive competence across multiple positions, including second base, third base, and all three outfield spots. This flexibility would provide the Yankees with valuable depth and strategic options, particularly given their current infield uncertainties. As a switch-hitter, he also adds another layer of adaptability to the lineup, offering favorable matchups against both left- and right-handed pitchers. His .331 OBP in 2024 demonstrates his ability to get on base, which would be a welcome addition to a Yankees lineup that has struggled with consistency in recent years.
Financially, Castro is set to earn $6.4 million in 2025, after which he will become a free agent. This relatively modest salary aligns with the Yankees’ budgetary considerations, especially as they look to stay below the top luxury tax threshold. Additionally, with the Twins’ recent spending spree, there is growing speculation that they may be open to trading Castro to reduce payroll. Such a move could be mutually beneficial, giving the Yankees the right-handed bat they need while offering the Twins financial flexibility. With a 102 OPS+ in 2024, Castro is slightly above league average offensively, making him a solid option for the Yankees as they look to reinforce their infield.
Trade market speculation: Arenado’s name resurfaces
While the free-agent market presents few solutions, the Yankees could explore trade options, and one name has been floating around: Nolan Arenado. The St. Louis Cardinals third baseman made an unexpected visit to the Yankees’ spring training facility recently, raising eyebrows. Arenado dismissed speculation that his appearance was linked to trade discussions, saying he was in Tampa to visit friends and his personal trainer. However, his name remains tied to the Yankees in trade rumors.
Arenado has a full no-trade clause, which he exercised in December to block a deal to the Houston Astros. However, reports indicate that he has provided a list of preferred destinations—one of which includes the Yankees. Given the Cardinals’ current trajectory, moving the veteran third baseman could make sense if they commit to a rebuild. The primary obstacle, however, is financial. Arenado is owed $64 million over the next three seasons, and any trade would likely require St. Louis to absorb part of his salary.
The Yankees’ recent signing of Arenado’s close friend and former teammate Paul Goldschmidt has only fueled speculation that a deal could materialize before the trade deadline.
Wednesday brings another missed opportunity for Yankees
Beyond Arenado, the Yankees had been linked to another potential option, Jose Iglesias, a veteran infielder who remained unsigned until today. However, this afternoon took an unexpected turn, and he is now off the target list. Because of that, Joel Sherman questioned why the Yankees had not pursued smaller, cost-effective moves, citing Iglesias as a logical fit. “I still do not know why they just do not sign Jose Iglesias. He is sitting there, he historically hits lefties. If it is a one-year deal for a couple of million dollars, why would not you do that?” Sherman said.
In free agency, Iglesias was seen as a potential short-term solution, given his experience and affordability. The former Mets infielder played a key role in their turnaround last season and could have been signed on a low-cost deal, especially with LeMahieu’s injury. However, that option is now off the table.
As first reported by Robert Murray of FanSided, Iglesias agreed to a deal with the San Diego Padres, with ESPN confirming it is a contract worth 3 million dollars if he reaches the majors, plus an additional 1 million in incentives. While Iglesias is not a game-changer, he is a 12-year veteran coming off a resurgent season in which he posted a 137 OPS+, slashing .337/.381/.448 across 85 games and 291 plate appearances, resulting in a 3.1 bWAR.
Financial considerations and the Yankees’ payroll strategy
One of the biggest factors in the Yankees’ decision-making is their payroll. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has made it clear that he wants to avoid unnecessary spending while maintaining a competitive roster.
“The Yankees are already at $306 million in payroll. They’re going to finish the season higher than that. To not solve a problem when something’s sitting there for just a couple million dollars? You’re already in the super heavyweight division. This is the cost of doing business in the super heavyweight division,” Sherman noted.
Despite their massive payroll, the Yankees are mindful of staying under the competitive balance tax’s highest tier. Their 2024 payroll stands at $310.9 million, resulting in a $62.5 million luxury tax penalty. Any additional spending, including trade acquisitions, would carry significant financial implications.
The Yankees’ spending strategy is also being scrutinized within a broader MLB context. Steinbrenner has publicly advocated for a salary cap in baseball, arguing that a more balanced financial structure would benefit the league. However, MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark has pushed back on this idea, dismissing the notion that a cap is necessary.
“You don’t need a cap to solve these concerns. We’ve made proposals. There’s a reason why owners want a salary cap, and it has nothing to do with competitive balance. It’s about benefits for them,” Clark stated.
The Yankees’ massive payroll places them in a precarious position, where any additional spending—particularly for a high-priced player like Arenado—comes with major tax penalties. As a result, their search for a right-handed third baseman will likely prioritize financial flexibility as much as talent.
With just three weeks until the regular season begins, the Yankees’ approach to filling their third base vacancy remains uncertain. They could roll with internal candidates, take a chance on a low-cost free agent, or pursue a blockbuster trade for a star like Arenado.
Financial constraints and long-term roster planning will heavily influence their decision, but one thing is clear: the Yankees recognize third base as a weak spot and are actively exploring solutions. Whether they make a move before Opening Day or wait until midseason remains to be seen, but the search is far from over.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
- Categories: News
- Tags: Hal Steinbrenner, Joel Sherman, New York Yankees, nolan arenado
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It seems everything old is new. Most of these names have been mentioned throughout the offseason as potential infield additions for the Yankees. The team made a conscious and public decision NOT to add a third or second base option, saying there would be “no new faces” because of payroll constraints and that they would go with in-house options instead. We’ve also known that those options would realistically include a choice between Lemahieu, Cabrera and Peraza, or a combination of two of the three in a platoon situation. Boone even said as much coming into spring training.
Now Lemahieu goes down and suddenly the need to fill the third base position with outside help becomes urgent. Sherman says he knows for a fact they are looking for a right handed bat for third base, one that can possibly play corner outfield. Well, you know that means left field, because they’re not bringing in anyone to replace Judge.
Castro is mentioned. He batted .247 with 12 home runs and 60 RBI’s in 558 at bats. Cabrera, our main in-house third base candidate, hit .247 with 8 home runs and 34 RBI’s in 299 at bats, slightly more than half the at bats of Castro. The numbers match pretty well. And Cabrera is a switch hitter, though admittedly stronger from the left side. And, he plays the corner outfield and every infield position. Last season he even pitched an inning.
I just don’t see the Yankees making this move. Time may prove me wrong, but I think the better option at this point is to work with a platoon of Cabrera against right handed pitching and Peraza against left handed pitching and see what happens at the trade deadline.
What all of this implies is that the Yankees figured all along that Lemahieu would be their third baseman this year, with no faith in Cabrera or Peraza in handling the position. So now that DJL is injured, they’re panicking and desperately looking for replacement help. I think that’s nonsense. Why would they have put all their eggs in the one basket of a 37 year old often injured player such as DJL who has shown so much decline over the past two years. They had to know he wasn’t giving them 140 games this season – he’s too much of an injury risk. Even if he started at third, and I do think that’s what they were shooting for, they’d platoon him to some extent just to keep from putting too many miles on him.
If the Yankees were this concerned about their in-house options they’d have gone out and spent the money on someone during the offseason. The fact that they didn’t, knowing who their in-house options were, and their limitations, tells me they aren’t doing anything now either.
And a question for you – if they did bring someone else in, they’d certainly keep Cabrera in a utility role, so what do they do with Peraza? He’s out of minor league options.
I think a lot of this is media driven to create talk because of the DJL injury, and not anything serious coming from the Yankees. Like a said, maybe time will prove me wrong. Let’s wait and see.
Man, I’d rather trust Sherman than hand myself over to pessimism. The Yankees’ stance has clearly shifted after LeMahieu’s injury, and whether they planned for it or not, they’re exploring external options. Just because they didn’t make a move earlier doesn’t mean they won’t now—it’s about adapting to circumstances. Peraza being out of options makes this even trickier, but dismissing Sherman’s report outright seems like wishful thinking. If they end up sticking with a Cabrera-Peraza platoon, fine, but acting like the front office is locked into that plan no matter what happens is just ignoring reality.