The New York Yankees had a lot of plans, and then for the third base—they had none! While they revamped their rotation with Max Fried and Devin Williams, the hot corner has been as ignored as a salad in a steakhouse!

Instead of making any kind of splashy moves, the team looked inward and tested DJ LeMahieu to handle third base. But that wait-and-watch plan hasn’t worked and has backfired badly, as LeMahieu can no longer start as a third baseman. He exited spring training two at-bats in after injuring his calf. And the 36-year-old isn’t banking on a quick return either. This is looking bad for New York.

However, they still have options, whether by choice or necessity. They have to rely on Oswaldo Cabrera or Pereza right now. But more likely than not, Cabrera has that role. And while many can say that’s not going to end well, it’s 3B after all, but Boone seems to be keeping an open outlook.

Aaron Boone said, “Regardless of anything going on with DJ, I very much envisioned Oswaldo very much in that mix, especially against right-handed pitching. We’ll see how it shakes [out]. If that means more playing time for Cabby, I don’t know. How much does Peraza push himself into the mix as a real option, whether it’s on a platoon scenario or what? We’ll just let it play itself out. And again, it’s not just a spring thing. It’s something beyond, too.”

For now, Cabrera seems to have the track to claim the starts at third. And he is a solid defender and a fan favorite, all thanks to his versatility. But that versatility factor is also what makes this move tough.

Moving and locking Cabrera to third just takes away his ability to play all over the field. But the New York Yankees might not have a choice.

As for Oswald Peraza, he will most likely make the opening-day roster, but his stats don’t scream a reliable start as he has a career. 612 OPS. Another option the New York Yankees have is to maybe explore external options like free agent Jose Iglesias, but there seems to be no fix without giving up some assets that are valuable to them.

Nolan Arenado seems like the dream they want to get, but his contract makes him untouchable. So right now, the Yankees most probably are rolling the dice with Cabrera, and maybe it will work out. But will it?

Is Oswaldo Cabrera New York Yankees’ best bet now?

Now ever since Oswaldo Cabrera made his debut for the Yankees, he has been their ultimate utility man. He has played every position, except as a catcher. For 2025, he signed a $800,000 contract with the team, and the Yankees might have to finally stop moving him and settle him at third base, because his experience and talent and his sheer defensive instincts do give him an edge. However, there are some concerns.

For Cabrera to win the starting job, his offense needs to hold up. In 2024 initially, he led in home runs and batting average through the first two series. So he proved that he can contribute to the plate consistently. However, his struggles as a right-handed hitter against left-handed pitching are concerning. The split is striking—he hit .268 with .729 against the righties and just .190 with .469 OPS against lefties. However, there is good news too, because he finished 2024 at a good pace.

Cabrera batted .292 with a .776 OPS in his final 42 games. So if he can build on this momentum, he can be the missing link in the lineup now. And he seems confident, saying, “I feel like it’s something I can handle. I think I’m ready for it.” Moreover, he has been a fan favorite ever since he landed in the Bronx. This is a huge opportunity for him to shine and solidify his role in the lineup. And most importantly, prove that he is more than just a utility player.

Do you think he will make his mark in the role? Let us know in the comments.