This week, the New York Yankees suffered trauma with the potential short or long-term loss of Oswaldo Cabrera. The third baseman seemed to have some significant ailment due to a play at home plate. With Cabrera potentially being out, the Yankees must rely on options at the hot corner.
The play began on a sacrifice fly by Aaron Judge in the top of the 9th inning in Seattle. Cabrera was on third base and tagged up on the fly-out. The throw came in from right field, almost on time.
This forced Cabrera to hook around the catcher, causing him to veer off the running lane. Cabrera seemed to have hesitated and chose not to slide, which might have buckled his ankle in an attempt to slow down and touch the plate.
The aftermath was not great, as Cabrera appeared to be in excruciating pain, followed by his exiting the game and being taken by paramedics to a hospital. As the results are outstanding to the public, it is safe to say that he will be off for a bit.
What could be an Achilles tear, severe or minor hyperextension, Cabrera may need some time off, if not an entire season.
The Yankees now need to figure out who takes over at third base. This is with consideration of offensive offerings and experience at the position.
Third Base up for Occupancy Depending on Cabrera’s Health
Cabrera was the go-to at third base, especially when the team moved Jazz Chisholm Jr to second base. Unfortunately, Chisholm Jr is currently on the 10-day injured list. Further to that, he may not be going back to third base.
On the bright side, the Yankees have four more options on a depth chart of six third basemen. DJ LeMahieu shares the same fate as Chisholm Jr and is also on the 10-day injured list. He was recently activated.
Pablo Reyes and Jorbit Vivas are both under the depth chart at third base. However, they are both too fresh to be starters here. Both players are hitting below .200 with 19-25 at-bats.
These options could be a part of a load management situation, where they deploy in odd circumstances. The question is, who takes the everyday spot at third base interim?
Oswald Peraza is the Most Likely Option to Fill the Spot
Peraza may be the best actual third base option the Yankees have now. Peraza is a utility infielder, working primarily at the hot corner, shortstop, and second base.
In 2024, the infielder played 31 innings at third base, recording a 1.000 fielding percentage and a .960 league fielding percentage. He recorded no errors that season. Peraza totaled 417 innings in three years at third base.
He has a total of .972 fielding percentage and only three errors.
Could Rice Be the Answer?
Yankees second-string first baseman Ben Rice has some minor experience at third base and could be a considerable option if needed. The rookie will need to take reps before that consideration becomes true.
Rice has been at the hot corner in the minor leagues, and his overall athleticism allowed him to swim in the role. His bat is without question, especially at this point in the season.
In 2025, Rice had a 1.2 WAR in 30 games, recording 33 hits, nine home runs, 20 RBIs, a .254 batting average, .358 on-base percentage, and a .554 slugging percentage.
This is a hot-take option, but an option, nonetheless.
Peraza has been the man for the job so far; however, this could be re-evaluated based on performance.
Main Photo Credits: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
