Yankees’ Third Base Dilemma: Multiple Options, No Clear Solution
The Yankees have a third base problem with several potential solutions. The challenge is figuring out which one makes the most sense.
After Oswaldo Cabrera’s brutal injury a couple of weeks ago, the Yankees are looking at internal options including Jorbit Vivas, Oswald Peraza, and DJ LeMahieu. It’s a mixed bag of offensive potential, defensive skill, youth, and veteran experience.
The third base trade market isn’t exactly overflowing with guaranteed upgrades. But there are several available players with solid track records who are currently underperforming.
Nolan Arenado and Ryan McMahon have dominated the rumor mill at the hot corner this season. But could the Yankees look elsewhere?
Newsweek’s Andrew Wright suggested Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes as a potential trade target for the Yankees on Tuesday. Hayes won a Gold Glove in 2023 but has struggled offensively over the past two seasons.
“Hayes is having a bit of a down year, with just a .229 average and one home run in 192 at-bats,” Wright wrote. “A change of scenery would be extremely beneficial.”
“His addition… would give the team two Gold Glove winners on that side of the field and could help improve an aspect that New York has struggled with over the last few seasons. The Yankees should jump at the opportunity to acquire Hayes if he becomes available.”
The reality is that Hayes, 28, has been even worse at the plate than Wright suggests. He’s posted just a .571 OPS in 143 games since the start of last season. That’s why he’s only been worth 0.8 bWAR despite his spectacular defense. The only hint that he might be a better option than Peraza is his .762 OPS back in 2023.
Hayes’ contract situation is interesting. His $70 million deal sounds hefty at first glance, but it’s spread across eight years — an unusually long commitment for someone his age at that price point. The real question isn’t about money but whether the Yankees see enough offensive upside to offer a prospect package that would actually tempt Pittsburgh.
