The Yankees are firing on all cylinders in 2025. They’ve got a rotation that’s mowing down lineups, a bullpen locking up games, and a lineup stacked with power and consistency. This team has looked every bit the juggernaut. Moreover, with their sharp defense and disciplined plate, the wins have piled up. Hence, they have steamrolled opponents with a balance that rivals any championship-caliber roster in recent memory. And yet, amid all this dominance, one piece of the puzzle remains unresolved. The Yankees’ third base!

It’s the lone question mark on a roster otherwise humming with certainty. The Yankees have tried to patch the spot, experiment with combinations, and buy time for a long-term answer to emerge. They may already have one in DJ LeMahieu, a veteran presence with a track record of dependability. But is he the solution they need, or merely a placeholder? That’s the question looming large over the Bronx as the summer heat sets in.

“LeMahieu, now 36 and coming off multiple injuries, is no longer a viable everyday starter at a demanding position like third base,” MLB columnist Alexander Wilson said about the Yankees’ veteran 3B.

Currently, LeMahieu is slashing just .190/.293/.333. The 36-year-old has struggled with consistency since returning from the injured list this week. His at-bats have offered more empty contact than impact, and the power that once made him a doubles machine has vanished from the box score.

Then there have been injuries that have always stayed with LeMahieu. He didn’t make his season debut until May 28 last year after fouling a ball off his foot late in spring. That campaign ended prematurely due to a right hip impingement, and despite taking an extended break from hitting in the offseason to regroup, he found himself sidelined again this spring. This time with a left calf tweak after just one game.

So, as the Yankees surge forward, third base remains stuck in neutral. And the question looms larger by the day. Can LeMahieu still be the answer, or is it time to look elsewhere?

Wilson suggested that Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman could opt for the Angels’ third baseman, Yoan Moncada, as a potential alternative. “One name that makes sense is Yoan Moncada of the Los Angeles Angels, especially if the Yankees want a player who mashes right-handed pitching.“

Yes, a $5 million alternative for the $90 million LeMahieu!

For starters, Moncada is an experienced slugger and a solid fit for the hot corner. This season, he has tallied 4 home runs and 17 RBIs while batting .241. That’s enough to offer a sense of reliability. Currently on a one-year, $5 million deal with the Angels, Moncada could present a cost-effective option for the Yankees if they look to bolster their infield depth. The 29-year-old slugger could also be a long-term option compared to the 36-year-old LeMahieu.

While LeMahieu is set to start at 3B against the Rockies, time is ticking for the Yankees to solve their missing link.

The Yankees’ offense is setting the stage on fire

While 3B is an issue for the Yankees, the issue has yet to affect them because of the offensive brilliance of the Yankees. Currently, the Pinstripes are leading the league in terms of home runs scored (85). Moreover, they are ranked #3 in terms of runs (278) and #5 in terms of BA (.257). That sums up the offensive brilliance of the team.

So, who is driving the machine here?

You know the captain! Back to full health and looking every bit the MVP-caliber force he is, Aaron Judge is putting up monster numbers again, both in slugging and leadership. His presence in the heart of the lineup changes how teams pitch to everyone around him, and he’s making them pay for it. Currently with 17 HRs, he is leading the league this year.

Remember the time when Juan Soto left the Yankees?

It was believed that the team just took a headshot at their offense. But hey, they got Trent Grisham! As of late May, Grisham boasts a .261 BA, complemented by 12 home runs and 22 RBIs. Enough for the fans to chant “we got Grisham” to Soto in the just-concluded Subway Series!

So, just fixing the third base and putting someone like Moncada might create a more defining projectile for the Yankees!