MAJOR-BREAKING: $90-Million Veteran Gets His Shot at Third Base-Will the Yankees Still Look Elsewhere?

The New York Yankees are set to kick off their first full-squad workout with DJ LeMahieu at third base, a plan that General Manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have stood by throughout the winter. As pitchers and catchers began their workouts, Cashman reaffirmed the decision, expressing optimism about LeMahieu’s potential. “Hopefully, we’ll see a different version of DJ this spring. The one thing we haven’t had the chance to see is a fully healthy version of him,” Cashman stated. “He’ll have an opportunity, he’s healthy, and he’ll compete. We’ll see how it plays out.”

LeMahieu will be competing with Oswaldo Cabrera, whom the Yankees prefer to keep as a versatile utility player, as well as Oswald Peraza for the third-base spot. However, Cashman acknowledged that the Yankees might still seek out a third baseman through free agency or trade. “I don’t know how it’s going to play out,” Cashman said. “But I think we could have one of these candidates step up or even multiple players in a platoon situation, or a single player emerging as the starter. If not, we can always explore the marketplace.”

After Alex Bregman inked a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, the Yankees are still exploring options to bolster their third-base lineup. While the St. Louis Cardinals have been open to trading their star third baseman Nolan Arenado, the Yankees are reportedly wary of his declining offensive numbers and the remaining money on his contract. A more appealing option could be Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who has one year left on his contract for $15 million and has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the last four seasons.

Another option on the free-agent market is Justin Turner, the 40-year-old veteran who has proven he can thrive in the New York spotlight, but is considered more of a short-term solution. As for LeMahieu, who has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract after signing a six-year, $90 million deal with the Yankees following his 2020 American League batting title, the team is committed to giving him every opportunity to secure the starting third baseman job.