Yankees’ shifting of players’ original defensive positions faces ALDS challenge

Friday October 4, 2024

As the New York Yankees gear up for the ALDS series against the Kansas City Royals, they face defensive concerns in multiple areas of the field. Their strategy of employing players in defensive duties away from the original positions faces an acid test.

Aaron Judge is better suited for the Yankees’ right field but has been playing in center, where his defensive metrics rank among the lowest for qualified outfielders. Juan Soto, traditionally a left fielder, has been shifted to the right to avoid the more difficult dimensions of left field at Yankee Stadium.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., when asked about the prospect of entering the postseason with less experience at the Yankees’ first base, expressed optimism. He said his approach to defense would remain steady, emphasizing his focus on making each play while expressing full confidence in his teammates’ ability to step up.

“I’ll still approach [defense] the same way and try to make every play,” he said on Thursday. “I trust my guys to help me out if I need help.”

Yankees’ strategy a blessing in disguise or a deeper concern?

A recent assessment from an American League scout highlighted the Yankees’ roster, noting that several players were filling roles outside their natural positions. This observation came before first baseman Anthony Rizzo suffered two fractured fingers on the final weekend of the regular season, an injury expected to sideline him for the American League Division Series (ALDS).

Still, no one on the current roster matches Rizzo’s skill in handling throws at first base, especially his knack for digging out errant throws. Rizzo’s defensive strength was on full display after his return from a fractured arm in early September, which had forced a Yankees rotation of Ben Rice, Oswaldo Cabrera, and DJ LeMahieu—who was nursing a hip impingement—at the position.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice stands on the field during the first inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles, Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in New York. — AP Photo/Pamela Smith

While acknowledging that having Rizzo in the lineup would be ideal, Chisholm reassured that the Yankees have players capable of holding down the position in his absence.

Chisholm voiced trust in Cabrera’s ability at first base, likening his performance to that of a shortstop, which he believes reflects Rizzo’s style as well. He added that Rice, despite being a natural catcher, could leverage his skills behind the plate to perform effectively at first.

“I trust [Cabrera] over there, 100 percent,’’ he explained. “He’s a shortstop. That’s how I feel when I look at Rizzo playing first base: He looks like a shortstop playing first base. And Ben is gonna be alright. He’s a catcher. … First base would be great to have Rizzo, but we have guys that can handle it.”

Despite this setback, the Yankees enter the postseason as the top seed in the American League, with the third-best record in the majors behind the Dodgers and Phillies. Their strong position suggests they are well-prepared for the playoff challenge, even as they adapt to roster adjustments.

In the Yankees’ left field, they may rely on Jasson Dominguez, who struggled following his September call-up. At third base, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has had defensive challenges, with a Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) rating of minus-2, according to Fangraphs, placing him 25th among 39 third basemen who logged at least 400 innings this season.

Yankees' Jasson Dominguez leaves field after first innings where he committed a costly blunder against the Orioles at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 25, 2024.

Despite these defensive shortcomings, the Yankees clinched the top seed in the American League, finishing ahead of Cleveland. Their offensive firepower has compensated for any gaps in defense, helping them maintain their dominant position.

Chisholm has been a key offensive player since being acquired from Miami on July 28. According to Fangraphs, he ranks 14th in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) across MLB, with only Judge performing better among Yankees players. Chisholm’s mix of speed, power, and left-handed hitting is expected to be critical to the Yankees’ playoff success.

As they prepare for postseason action, the Yankees are counting on Chisholm’s bat to make up for any defensive limitations. Their offensive depth, they hope, will be enough to outweigh the defensive challenges across the field.

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