A couple of recent decisions by the Yankees’ front office have only made their third base situation more complicated, but a move from two years ago might end up solving the problem.
New York has drawn plenty of scrutiny for lacking a reliable option at third base, especially after DJ LeMahieu went down with an injury early in spring training.
Some of the criticism has focused on the team’s choice not to re-sign veteran infielder José Iglesias, who instead joined the Padres on a minor league deal. Meanwhile, on Thursday, reports emerged that former Yankees prospect Caleb Durbin — who was traded alongside Nestor Cortes to Milwaukee in a deal for reliever Devin Williams back in December — has been promoted from Triple-A Nashville. He’s been performing well, hitting .278/.316/.482 with two home runs and is set to make his major league debut soon.
Oswaldo Cabrera has been filling in at third base, batting .300 with 12 hits in 40 at-bats. However, he’s only produced one extra-base hit (a home run) and five RBIs, which isn’t quite the level of offense typically expected from that position.
Help might already be on the way from the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate.
Jorbit Vivas is Hitting at an “Eye-Catching Pace” in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
Acquired from the Dodgers in a December 2023 trade that also brought in lefty Victor González, 24-year-old switch-hitter Jorbit Vivas has impressed in Triple-A. Through 62 at-bats, he’s slashing .339/.419/.500 with two home runs and 14 RBIs, prompting FanSided’s Jacob Mountz to suggest that the Yankees’ No. 20 prospect may not be in the minors for much longer.
“If he keeps hitting like this, a call-up to the Majors seems inevitable,” Mountz said.
Mountz highlighted Vivas’ impressive plate discipline, noting that he’s drawn nine walks while striking out just four times — evidence of his elite contact skills and disciplined approach.
Jorbit Vivas
Vivas Stood Out in Spring Training Despite Setbacks
Though his spring was delayed by a shoulder issue, Vivas made the most of limited action. In 10 games, he posted a stellar .435/.435/.522 line, going 10-for-23 with three RBIs, two runs, and two doubles. His 154 wRC+ hinted at his potential impact if given a shot at the major league level.
Vivas consistently put the ball in play and reached base, but the Yankees ultimately decided to send him to Triple-A to ensure he’d get regular at-bats, rather than sporadic chances off the big-league bench.
While he’s still developing his power—he hit only nine home runs in 93 Triple-A games last season—Vivas also brings speed to the table, swiping 20 bags. With his disciplined approach, strong contact skills, and baserunning ability, Vivas could be a compelling internal option to fill the third base void in the Bronx.
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