The Yankees still haven’t solved their third base problem, and spring training competition between DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza doesn’t inspire much confidence.
That’s why free agent José Iglesias could be an intriguing solution. MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams recently listed the Yankees as the most logical landing spot for the veteran infielder.
The Yankees have spent the entire offseason being tied to infield upgrades and still haven’t addressed the issue. Jazz Chisholm Jr. will play second base or third base. Other options for the infield right now include declining veteran DJ LeMahieu, former top prospect Oswald Peraza and utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera. Jorbit Vivas and Braden Shewmake are depth options likely ticketed for Triple-A. Iglesias won’t add any power, but he’s a plus glove at either second or third — not a bad thing for a club with a grounder-heavy bullpen that just spent $218MM on one of the game’s top ground-ball starters.
Iglesias is coming off a remarkable season with the Mets where he hit .337 with four homers, 26 RBI and a 137 OPS+. He was 37% better than league average at the plate while providing solid defense at third base, posting positive Outs Above Average numbers according to Baseball Savant.
The financial fit makes sense too. Spotrac projects Iglesias to command just a one-year, $1.7 million deal. That’s the kind of contract that wouldn’t push the Yankees much further beyond the $301 million luxury tax threshold they’re trying not to blow past.
While the Yankees seem content letting their internal options battle it out, third base clearly stands as the biggest potential weakness for a team looking to return to the World Series. The position could become a serious liability if none of their current options step up.
Iglesias isn’t a perfect solution – he won’t provide much power in a lineup that sometimes needs it – but his defensive versatility, contact skills, and affordability make him worth considering. He could provide insurance at multiple infield positions while bringing a high-contact approach that balances the Yankees’ power-heavy lineup.
