The Yankees head into spring training with a glaring hole at third base, and they’re weighing their options. While Jazz Chisholm’s likely starting at second, he could slide over to third if needed – but that’s not exactly Plan A.
Right now, it’s looking like a three-way battle between DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza for the hot corner. That’s not exactly murderer’s row at third base, which is why trade rumors keep swirling.
One name that keeps coming up? Nolan Arenado. The Cardinals’ star third baseman could be a solution, and there’s an interesting trade proposal making the rounds.
Zach Pressnell at FanSided floated an intriguing possibility: Arenado and $15 million in cash heading to the Bronx for infield prospect Jorbit Vivas.
“This deal would look strikingly similar to the Yankees trade that landed them Cody Bellinger,” Pressnell writes. “Vivas is a candidate to step in and replace (Gleyber) Torres this coming season, but he doesn’t have the floor or ceiling that comes with Arenado.”
Let’s be real – running LeMahieu out there as the everyday third baseman isn’t ideal. He’s been trending down for a while now, and the injury bug hasn’t helped. While Arenado might not be the defensive wizard he was in his prime, he’d be a significant upgrade over the Yankees’ current options.
The way things stand, the Yankees need to do something at third. Whether it’s Arenado or another solution, going into 2024 with their current depth chart seems like a risky bet for a team with World Series aspirations.
