Yankees dream infield blockbuster, but Cashman gifts versatile backup

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New York – While Yankees fans continue to clamor for a blockbuster upgrade at third base or a long-term infield cornerstone, general manager Brian Cashman delivered something much less splashy this week. The club announced on Monday that it has claimed infielder CJ Alexander off waivers from the Oakland Athletics, immediately optioning him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

To the casual eye, the move might seem like just another back-of-the-roster maneuver. But dig a little deeper, and there may be more to this signing than meets the eye — especially for a Yankees team still navigating lingering infield injuries and seeking versatile, low-cost value plays.

A quiet addition amid big expectations

Fans and analysts alike have continued to pressure the Yankees’ front office to find a stable, long-term solution at third base, especially with Oswaldo Cabrera sidelined due to a serious ankle injury and DJ LeMahieu showing only flashes of his former self. The team has recently turned to Jazz Chisholm Jr. as a fill-in at the hot corner, though Chisholm’s natural position lies elsewhere.

Enter CJ Alexander, a 28-year-old left-handed hitter who offers defensive versatility and some sneaky power. The Athletics designated him for assignment last week, and the Yankees scooped him up with little fanfare. While Alexander is unlikely to leapfrog the current infield rotation immediately, he brings an underappreciated profile that may appeal to New York’s development staff.

What the Yankees are getting in Alexander

Alexander isn’t a household name. He was originally drafted in the 20th round by the Braves in 2018 and didn’t make his MLB debut until June 2024 with the Kansas City Royals. His major league resume is still quite thin — just 10 games split between the Royals and Athletics, during which he has gone 4-for-25 (.160) with no walks or extra-base hits.

But in the minors, Alexander has quietly put together a compelling body of work. Across 42 games at Triple-A this season, he slashed .252/.348/.509 with 10 home runs and 33 RBIs for Oakland’s affiliate. That builds on a productive 2024 Triple-A campaign in which he posted a 130 wRC+ and launched 19 home runs in 94 games.

“He’s got legit pop from the left side and can play across the field. That alone is worth a look in today’s game,” said a National League scout familiar with Alexander’s development.

A left-handed utility man with power

What separates Alexander from other waiver-wire infielders is his versatility and handedness. He has logged innings at third base, first base, left field, and right field — all while swinging from the left side.

His flexibility could prove useful down the line. While Oswald Peraza and Pablo Reyes are ahead of him on the infield depth chart, both are right-handed hitters. Should the Yankees need to plug in a lefty bat against a right-hander during a stretch of doubleheaders or injuries, Alexander could be the next man up.

Still, that’s contingent on his ability to continue producing in Triple-A. He has shown power but also a high strikeout rate, which has contributed to concerns about his long-term offensive consistency.

Development project or scratch-off ticket?

The Yankees didn’t acquire Alexander with the expectation that he would become a savior. But their recent track record with under-the-radar talent reclamation projects gives this signing a little more intrigue.

“Think of him like a lottery ticket,” said one AL front-office executive. “Low cost, high variance. If he pops, you look smart. If not, it costs you nothing.”

Alexander’s swing mechanics and zone discipline remain a work in progress, but the Yankees believe their hitting lab and coaching infrastructure could help him unlock more of his raw ability. This isn’t unprecedented. Earlier, players like Jake Bauers and Isiah Kiner-Falefa found niches in the Bronx despite modest expectations.

“We’ve seen players arrive here with middling resumes and suddenly take off once the development team gets a hold of them,” said Yankees beat writer Marc Morales. “Alexander’s power numbers in Triple-A are real. If he trims the strikeouts, you never know.”

Injuries open a door?

The Yankees’ infield has been far from stable this season. With Cabrera’s injury, Chisholm’s positional shift, and LeMahieu’s gradual return from the IL, there’s been a game of musical chairs in the infield.

That’s where someone like Alexander — who has started at first base, third base, and both corner outfield spots in the majors — becomes valuable insurance.

If another injury strikes or a roster shuffle becomes necessary, Alexander could be a phone call away.

What comes next?

For now, CJ Alexander will continue playing in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. But this isn’t just a filler move for a minor-league lineup. The Yankees may be testing whether his left-handed bat and multi-position defense can force a roster decision later this summer.

This acquisition isn’t the impact signing Yankees fans might be pining for. But in a long season — especially one defined by attrition and depth — players like Alexander often end up playing a bigger role than expected.

Cashman’s move might not steal headlines, but it does add a layer of security and upside to a team with postseason ambitions and infield instability.

So while Yankees Nation waits for a bold splash at the deadline, CJ Alexander becomes the quiet addition who could — just maybe — turn into something more.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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