New York Yankees already have their third baseman

The New York Yankees have two particular areas of concern in their lineup.

Left field and third base are considered the biggest question marks thus far. While there may not be any great options in left, at least internally, the same cannot be said for third. This does not need to be Josh Donaldson’s position for another year as the Yankees wait for his contract to expire.

DJ LeMahieu can be New York Yankees answer at hot corner

Instead, the Yankees could use DJ LeMahieu at third. He provided more value with the bat last season, posting a 111 OPS+ with 18 doubles and 12 homers in his 541 plate appearances. Donaldson, meanwhile, had a 94 OPS+ with 28 doubles and 15 homers in 546 plate appearances. Defensively, both players saved eight runs at third, although LeMahieu did so in just 47 games en route to winning the AL Gold Glove award for utility players.

While LeMahieu is valued for his defensive versatility, the Yankees do have other players that could slide into the super utility role. Oswaldo Cabrera could slot into that spot on the roster. Isiah Kiner-Falefa could potential be used as a utility player as well should the Yankees decide that either Oswald Peraza or Anthony Volpe are ready to take over at short. There are options available.

This does leave the question of what to do with Donaldson. He is essentially limited to third base and the designated hitter spot, a position taken up by Giancarlo Stanton. However, it is possible that Stanton could see time in the outfield as well, opening up some plate appearances at DH. Donaldson could also theoretically get some time at third if LeMahieu is at first to give Anthony Rizzo a day off.

Donaldson is also not likely to be traded without the Yankees eating a significant portion of his contract. With close to $30 million due from his 2023 salary and an $8 million buyout of his 2024 option, teams are not going to be lining up to take that deal on. Instead, the Yankees may find themselves with an expensive bench player.

It all comes down to winning a championship. If using LeMahieu as the primary third baseman and relegating Donaldson to the bench can lead to a title, then that is what the Yankees need to do. It may be their best option.

The New York Yankees theoretically have a problem at third base. Having DJ LeMahieu as the primary option at the hot corner would fix that issue.