As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2025 season, one of the most pressing questions revolves around third base. Unlike previous years, the team opted not to make a big splash in free agency or execute a blockbuster trade to address the vacancy. Instead, they appear to be evaluating in-house options, a strategy that has sparked speculation among fans and analysts alike. Among the contenders, Jorbit Vivas has emerged as a player who could significantly shape the Yankees’ decision-making. Could his presence be the reason the organization is holding off on external moves?
Jorbit Vivas: Yankees’ promising prospect
Born on March 9, 2001, in Venezuela, Jorbit José Vivas began his professional journey when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an international free agent in 2017. From the outset, he showcased his offensive prowess, making steady progress through the minor leagues.
In 2018, he made his debut in the Dominican Summer League, and by 2019, he was already making a name for himself, splitting time between the Arizona League Dodgers and the Ogden Raptors while batting an impressive .327 over 54 games.
Like many young players, Vivas’ development hit a roadblock in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the minor league season. However, he came back strong in 2021, splitting time between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and the Great Lakes Loons. That year, he posted a .312 average with 14 home runs and 87 RBIs over 106 games, solidifying himself as a rising talent. Recognizing his potential, the Dodgers protected him from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to their 40-man roster in November 2021.
His journey took a significant turn in December 2023 when the Yankees acquired him alongside pitcher Victor González in a trade with the Dodgers. In exchange, the Yankees parted ways with shortstop prospect Trey Sweeney, signaling their belief in Vivas’ long-term potential. The move positioned him as a possible solution to the Yankees’ infield depth challenges.
The Yankees’ third base dilemma
The Yankees’ need for a starting third baseman became evident after the departure of Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Detroit Tigers. With the position up for grabs, the organization has several internal candidates competing for the job:
DJ LeMahieu: The most experienced option, LeMahieu brings a wealth of success, including two batting titles. However, injuries have plagued him in recent years, and he hit just .204 in 2024. While he remains a viable candidate, his durability is a concern.
Oswaldo Cabrera: A versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions, Cabrera has struggled with consistency at the plate. His offensive struggles led to multiple demotions last season, making it uncertain whether he can secure an everyday role.
Oswald Peraza: Once one of the Yankees’ top prospects, Peraza is at a career crossroads. With no minor league options remaining, he must prove he belongs on the 26-man roster. If he fails to impress, he could find himself on the waiver wire or included in a trade.
Jorbit Vivas: Though primarily a second baseman, Vivas has logged time at third base and is known for his ability to make contact at the plate. His left-handed bat could provide balance to the Yankees’ lineup, and his defensive adaptability makes him an intriguing option.
How Vivas could fit in Yankees’ plans
Vivas’ biggest asset is his offensive consistency. His disciplined approach at the plate and ability to put the ball in play makes him a valuable asset in a lineup that struggled at times with strikeouts and situational hitting in 2024. If given the opportunity, he could provide a steady bat while developing into a reliable contributor.
Defensively, Vivas has primarily played second base, but his versatility allows him to slot in at third. While some scouts have raised concerns about his arm strength, he has shown the ability to make routine plays effectively. If he proves he can handle the position defensively during spring training, he could secure a regular role.
Yankees’ patient approach
The Yankees’ decision to rely on internal options rather than aggressively pursuing an established third baseman suggests a strategic approach. General Manager Brian Cashman has expressed confidence in the team’s depth, emphasizing the importance of evaluating young talent before making significant roster moves. This approach allows the Yankees to assess players like Vivas in real-game scenarios, determining whether they have a viable long-term solution at third base.
Additionally, maintaining flexibility at the position enables the Yankees to explore external upgrades if needed. Should Vivas or the other candidates struggle in spring training, the front office could revisit trade discussions or look to the free-agent market for a midseason acquisition.
Spring training: A defining moment
For Vivas, the upcoming weeks in Tampa will be crucial. As he competes alongside LeMahieu, Cabrera, and Peraza, he must demonstrate his ability to handle major league pitching and play reliable defense at third base. Manager Aaron Boone has emphasized the significance of spring training in determining roster decisions, making this an opportunity for Vivas to showcase his skills.
Beyond individual performance, the Yankees will also evaluate how different lineup combinations function with Vivas at third. If he proves to be a dependable option, he could find himself in a platoon role or even securing the everyday job.
While Jorbit Vivas alone may not be the sole reason the Yankees have held off on acquiring an external third baseman, his presence certainly plays a role in the team’s decision-making. His offensive potential, combined with his defensive versatility, gives the Yankees an intriguing option at the hot corner.
The competition at third base will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the Yankees’ spring training, with Vivas having a genuine chance to make an impact. Whether he seizes the opportunity or the team ultimately looks elsewhere, his development remains an essential piece of the Yankees’ infield puzzle heading into 2025.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Vivas hit .225 over two seasons at the AAA level, with 10 home runs in more than 500 plate appearances. Personally, I don’t think he’s ready, and I don’t think he factored much into the Yankees decision not to pursue a third baseman this offseason, especially since he’s really not a third baseman to begin with. That decision was driven by their luxury tax exposure.
It would be nice to see Vivas realize his full potential and meet the expectations the Yankees have of him, but he’s not there yet. Durbin would have been the better fit had we kept him, and as a second base option keeping Jazz at 3B. But their choice to trade Durbin, move Jazz to 2B, and not seek another infield bat with the options that were available to them, left the door wide open for DJL to slot at 3B. It’s his job to lose, especially with the salary the Yankees are paying him. I think you’ll find Vivas starting the season in Scranton.