The New York Yankees are on a roll, dominating the AL East with a 34-20 record even though they have many injuries. But there’s a storm developing in the hot corner. The Bronx has been in a dilemma since Oswaldo Cabrera has broken his ankle, leaving a void at 3B. It has affected the roster big time. But because the hot corner is such a crucial place, the club simply cannot wait; Plus, the player is on a one-year contract with them and might not return for the remainder of the season.

A few players have filled in at third base for the Yankees, but none has made a strong case for the position. The uncertainty opens the door for possible roster changes. Then there is Oswald Peraza, a 24-year-old infielder, who has been at third base. He was one of those players whose bat was quiet at 3B, but recently, he showed what he’s capable of, blasting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Angels and guiding the team to a 3-2 win.

With Peraza, the question is now about his consistency at the plate. But if he shows up consistently, does the search stop here? Well, a Yankees enthusiast thinks so. So, if the player indeed becomes the starter at third base, it would be interesting to see him play, considering Cabrera got that position initially after he outperformed Peraza. Hence, Yankees enthusiast Joe, on the YouTube channel The Shift, shed light on Peraza, saying,

“And who’s at third right now for us? Well, Oswald Peraza… Those guys have been kind of platooning ever since Oswaldo Cabrera went down with an injury. In my opinion, if the Yankees chose just right now, to give Oswald Peraza, a little bit more of a consistent run and not ‘Hey we’re going to put you in the lineup for two days then bench you.’ No. A consistent run. If they just let this kid go out there, play third base for you, he plays really good, by the way. Play third base for you, maybe his bat is going to click and everything. It’s just going to come together for him.

“Cause, last night, what did he do? He hit a home run, and that was the difference in the game. We won only by a run, and he hit a home run. And I think in my opinion, after that home run, he looked incredibly happy. The dugout looked happy for him. I think he needed that for his confidence. And this is a guy down there in the minor leagues who would start slow. He is notorious for starting slow, and that’s not really always good for a major league career. But hey! If it works, it works…

“Maybe that’s the right-handed bat that the New York Yankees are looking for. Maybe we have it in Oswald Peraza.” But there’s another update that might complicate the situation.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is on a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset. He is recovering from a high-grade strain in his right oblique. Chisholm had never played third base professionally before joining the Yankees, but he quickly got used to it. Playing parts of 45 games there, he got six Outs Above Average. His athleticism and flexibility to play a variety of positions make him a good choice for the Yankees as they look for stability at third base.

As the Yankees navigate a complex situation, Peraza and Chisholm are in the spotlight. Their performances in the coming weeks will be crucial for the 3B position and the team’s championship pursuit. But what if neither fully capitalizes? Will the front office consider going for another option? The whispers are floating!

Not Oswald, not Chisholm—the Bronx can go for a Japanese powerhouse

The New York Yankees may go offshore this offseason to fill their third base gap. NPB slugger Munetaka Murakami of the Tokyo Yakult Swallows is making waves. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has suggested the Yankees as a potential destination for Murakami if he becomes available.

Bowden called Murakami a “.240 to .260 type hitter in MLB with legitimate 30-home run power” earlier this week.

He further highlighted, “Defensively, he’s below average at third base and adequate at first base. He’s also played some left field this season for the first time in his career. Teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers (if they’re OK with him at third base), Mariners, Rangers and Padres should be interested in Murakami if he becomes a free agent.”

The Yankees have a successful history with Japanese players like Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka. They’ve shown interest in stars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto as well, in the past. Although those pursuits didn’t pan out, Murakami’s left-handed power could be appealing, especially with Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch. In 837 NPB games, he batted .270 with a .395 on-base percentage, a .549 slugging percentage, 224 home runs, and 600 RBIs.

Murakami made history in 2022 by winning the Triple Crown. He had 56 home runs, 134 RBIs, and a .318 batting average, which was the best in the Central League. He also had a big effect in Japan’s title run in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, hitting a home run and driving in six runs.

Can Murakami be a good option? Or the Yankees will have to choose between Oswald Peraza and Jazz Chisholm Jr? Share your thoughts in the comments below.