Breaking news: The Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone hinted at blockbuster trade during spring training.
The New York Yankees’ third base competition dwindled to Oswaldo Cabrera vs. Oswald Peraza when DJ LeMahieu was injured. That isn’t necessarily a huge issue, but it’s undoubtedly disheartening following Giancarlo Stanton’s injury.
In actuality, Peraza still has a lot to show (and is a career shortstop), whereas Cabrera is best used as a great utility option. How do the Yankees continue to end up in these unfavorable circumstances?
Peraza, who started on Monday, went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. Although neither player has shown much promise offensively thus far, they have both been rather confident with the glove, so that’s comforting at least.
Given the injuries to LeMahieu and Stanton, manager Aaron Boone was questioned about the team’s third base and DH predicament during the YES broadcast of the match versus the Pirates. Fortunately, Boone can try his best to cycle in as many people as he wants while pulling men off their feet, so the DH role is less of a concern.
But third base is problematic. As of right now, whomever starts there on Opening Day will either lack experience or be a natural third baseman. However, if we are to learn anything from Boone’s live on-air remark, maybe things can change.
Aaron Boone offers his perspective on the fight for the third base and designated hitter positions. Pic.twitter.com/UJGMuoHGsG #YANKSonYES
The @YESNetwork account of YES Network March 4, 2025
Rumors about the Yankees: Will they make a trade for third base before Opening Day?
“We’ll see if something emerges from camp or, you know, things happen in and around baseball … moves happen late, so, we’ll see,” Boone told the broadcast. Ah, certainly, moves indeed do happen late but … what could that possibly be?
We’re not even certain what this would be based on a cursory look around the league. Will the Cardinals’ trade negotiations with Nolan Arenado be revisited? How about the Phillies’ Alec Bohm? The Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes? Bohm seems like a real advance and is accessible. Arenado believes as though a well-known name will suffice. Given his injuries and significant financial commitment, Hayes is a hazardous gamble.
Are we overlooking something? Because, considering that the Yankees’ third base problems have existed since the beginning of last season, we believe we would have been in control. They’ve played the waiting game too long and are now suffering the consequences as the expected outcomes have occurred — well, at least the expected outcomes everybody else saw coming.
We’re not going to sit here and rule out a trade before the start of the season, but we’re also not going to act like whatever deal is agreed upon will change the Yankees’ fortunes drastically.
