Yankees manager Aaron Boone has increasingly leaned on Oswaldo Cabrera, dubbing him the team’s “safety net” for his extraordinary versatility. The utility star has become a vital piece for the Yankees, able to step into nearly every position on the field whenever injuries or rest days demand it.
Throughout the season, Cabrera showcased his flexibility by playing every position except center field and catcher. He even took a brief turn on the mound, pitching one-third of an inning without giving up a run against the Angels on June 8.
Initially projected as a bench player in Spring Training, his value became evident on Opening Day. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined by a fractured bone in his right foot, Cabrera was called on to start at third base against the Astros. He made an immediate impact, going 2-for-4 with an RBI on March 28.
Cabrera’s ability to adapt has been critical for New York, especially when injuries strike. Despite having no experience at first base before this season, he filled in for Anthony Rizzo on August 31 when Rizzo was out with a right forearm fracture. Now, with Rizzo expected to miss the American League Division Series against the Royals due to two fractured fingers, Cabrera is likely to see more time at first base.
The Yankees utility maestro, eager to embrace any role, expressed his love for the game, regardless of where he’s positioned. While he acknowledged the team’s preference for Rizzo in the lineup, he emphasized his readiness to step up. His team-first attitude mirrors the Yankees’ collective mindset as they gear up for the postseason.
“I love to play. That’s the thing. I don’t care about any position that I’m playing,” he conveyed.
Yankees need Cabrera more than ever
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has seen marked improvement in Cabrera’s ability to hit right-handed pitching, a development that has increased his value to the team. The player has raised his average against righties from .215 last season to .268 this year, giving him a strong case for a starting spot in Saturday’s game against the Royals.
Boone praised Cabrera’s professionalism and dedication, noting the young player’s passion for the game and commitment to preparation. He highlighted the Yankee’s consistent routine, which includes maintaining his defensive sharpness by fielding ground balls and embracing his new role at first base.
“He is such a good teammate, such a good pro, loves the game and loves the preparation,” the manager told about Oswaldo. “You watch him work on a daily basis and he makes sure he is staying sharp with his ground balls.
Cabrera’s versatility has been crucial, allowing him to switch effortlessly between infield positions. He’s spent significant time as the regular third baseman and filled in at shortstop when needed. Boone also noted Cabrera’s proactive work during batting practice, making sure he gets live outfield reps to stay sharp across multiple positions.
“First base has become a little more new to him this year,” the manager explained. “He has a lot of work over there, but he bounces around. He was kind of a regular third baseman for a time for us. He has played a little short. You watch him during batting practice, he will jump to the outfield and make sure he is getting his live reps out there.”
This resurgence contrasts with Cabrera’s struggles in 2023. After a standout rookie season in 2022, where his energy and clutch hitting were key, he hit a rough patch last year, leading to three stints in Triple-A. His OPS dropped from .741 as a rookie to just .574 in 2023.
The new approach
Cabrera reflected on his difficulties, attributing the dip in performance to trying to incorporate too much advice on his swing. He admitted that listening to too many voices disrupted his approach at the plate, but his return to form has given the Yankees another reliable option as they head into the postseason.
“I was working a lot with my consistency [at the plate this offseason] and my mental skills, trying to throw all the trash away from my head and just try and concentrate on things I can control,” he explained. “For that reason, everything that can happen out of my control, there is nothing I can do about it. [Rowson] is more than a hitting coach; he is a mental guy for me. He is the type of guy that tries to make sure that I have my mind in the right way.”
This season, Oswaldo Cabrera embraced a new approach after a pivotal conversation with hitting coach James Rowson, who urged him to stay true to himself and maintain an aggressive mindset. This advice shifted Cabrera’s perspective from his earlier attitude of shrugging off mistakes as “just part of the game,” assuming improvement would come naturally.
Cabrera shared that his offseason focus was on achieving more consistency at the plate and sharpening his mental game. He worked on clearing distractions and concentrating on what he could control, acknowledging there are aspects of the game beyond his reach and learning to accept them.
Cabrera’s relationship with Rowson goes beyond typical hitting instruction. He views Rowson as more than just a coach, seeing him as a mentor who helps keep his mindset positive and focused.
In addition to Rowson’s guidance, Cabrera finds motivation in the daily encouragement he receives from his parents, Leo and Jitty. Their text messages express pride in his performance, helping him stay energized throughout the season. Cabrera reflected on the tough times he’s faced and noted that his parents were always aware of those struggles. Their consistent support, he said, gives him the motivation to keep pushing forward.
“They were always telling me beautiful things,” Cabrera told. “It gives me so much energy to keep going.”
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