Meredith Marakovits of YES Network hinted at a potential Yankees move during an appearance on MLB Network, saying:
“Something tells me that Brian Cashman is still waiting, I wouldn’t be surprised if they find themselves somebody before Opening Day.”
It’s not a surprising sentiment. The Yankees have an infield problem they still haven’t solved, and there’s reason to believe they’re waiting for the right opportunity to act.
What’s holding up a move?
The Yankees are exploring ways to shed some of the money owed to Marcus Stroman, which could be delaying an acquisition. With free agency offering few viable options—especially after Alex Bregman was ruled out—the trade market might be their best bet.
This much is clear: if the Yankees lose Juan Soto after just one season and roll into Opening Day with DJ LeMahieu as their starting third baseman, it would be a disaster. LeMahieu was their worst position player last year, and handing him the job with no competition would be an unacceptable outcome for a team that claims it’s still trying to contend.
But the Yankees have made it clear they’re waiting for the right situation to develop. Brian Cashman has preached patience all offseason, and the market could start moving in the coming weeks as teams sort out their infield situations.
Where do the Yankees turn?
They haven’t been serious players for Bregman or Nolan Arenado, but those two could be catalysts for movement. If the Cubs land Bregman, that could push Nico Hoerner onto the trade block. The Yankees were interested in him before Chicago pivoted to Isaac Paredes. If the Tigers get Bregman, Matt Vierling or Jace Jung could become available—both of whom would give the Yankees much-needed youth and power at third base.
There are also stopgap options like Willi Castro and Luis Rengifo, two switch-hitters who can play multiple infield positions.
Their prospect capital isn’t great. Baseball America ranked their farm system in the bottom 10 in MLB, and multiple evaluators believe the injuries to key prospects have hurt their value. But every organization values players differently, and it only takes one team viewing a Yankees prospect as a fit to make a deal happen.
It’s also worth noting the Yankees have moved just one top-30 prospect this winter—Caleb Durbin, who ranked No. 15 in Milwaukee’s system after being traded. They still have pieces to move if they find the right deal.
What’s next?
Opening Day is a little over a month away, and the Yankees haven’t made their big infield move yet. But history suggests Cashman isn’t afraid to strike late. Just two years ago, the Yankees swung a deal for Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa on March 13. It came out of nowhere, and while that trade didn’t pan out, it’s proof that Cashman isn’t done working until the season starts.
