The Yankees believe in DJ LeMahieu, but these trades or free agents are still an option
The New York Yankees will begin their first full-squad workout with DJ LeMahieu at third base. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone have stuck to that plan all winter and reiterated it as workouts began for pitchers and catchers.
Cashman explained his thinking about giving the former two-time batting champion a chance.
“Hopefully, all that can get thrown out the door, and we will see a different version of DJ this spring. The one thing we haven’t been in a position to see is a DJ who is a healthy version. He’s going to be given an opportunity, he’s healthy, he’ll compete, and we’ll see where it plays out,” Cashman told reporters.
New York Yankees third baseman DJ LeMahieu
Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
LeMahieu will compete with Oswaldo Cabrera, who the Yankees would prefer to keep as a versatile utility player. Oswald Peraza will also have a chance.
But, Cashman has also said there will likely be a chance to go back out on the market, free agent or trade, to get a third baseman.
“I don’t know how it’s going to play out,” Cashman said. “I do think we can have one of these candidates emerge or multiple guys emerge into a platoon situation at worst or a solo shot at best. If not, there’s always the marketplace to play around with as we move forward, too.”
After Alex Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees still have a few options to upgrade at third base.
The Cardinals said they would trade 10-time Gold Glove third baseman Nolan Arenado and are now stuck. The Yankees reportedly do not love Arenado’s declining offensive numbers and the time and money left on his contract.
A better option would be Arizona Diamondback’s third baseman Eugenio Suarez, who has just one year left on his deal for $15 million. He’s hit at least 20 homers in the last four seasons.
Veteran third baseman Justin Turner is still available on the free-agent market. At 40, he’s a short-term fix who has proven he can play in New York City.
LeMahieu has two years and $30 million on the six-year, $90-million deal he signed with the Yankees after he won the 2020 American League batting title. They will give him every chance to win a starting spot.