DJ LeMahieu at third?, who could potentially reach leadoff, new bullpen target

The Yankees have made many moves since Juan Soto spurned them in free agency, but the front office’s job isn’t done yet. GM Brian Cashman and his staff have a few more moves to make before Opening Day if they want to give manager Aaron Boone a roster capable of winning a World Series.

It’s unlikely that any of the team’s remaining moves will grab headlines in the same way as the signing of Max Fried or the move for Cody Bellinger earlier in the offseason. These decisions will be minor in comparison. They can still achieve great success in the postseason.

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Gleyber Torres hit leadoff more often than any other Boone player last season. His departure in free agency leaves a vacancy at the top of the Yankee lineup. Accordingly The New York PostThe organization is still exploring both internal and external options to try and top the batting order.

The column suggests Jose Iglesias could move across town and provide solid production for the Yankees. As the Mets’ leadoff hitter in 2024, he hit .337 in 85. However, he is already 35 years old, which brings the possibility of age-related regression right into play. Ha-Seong Kim is another free agent that was mentioned, but his injury issues make him an unlikely candidate for the Yankees to bet on.

If New York sticks with an internal option, Anthony Volpe could get another chance to win the job permanently. DJ LeMahieu could theoretically step in if he can find a way to turn back the clock. It seems like the question of who will take over for Boone will linger in spring training.

There’s no denying that DJ LeMahieu was one of the worst semi-starters in all of baseball last season. However, that doesn’t stop the Yankees from hoping he bounces back and earns a starting spot in 2025.

Many fans in New York want the team to spend big on Alex Bregman in free agency, but team officials have concerns about his performance at Yankee Stadium. It’s more likely that his price will be a bigger deterrent than his ability to produce in a ballpark more favorable to lefties. He’s seeking more than $200 million on a long-term deal and the Yankees are trying to keep their payroll under control.

Instead, some executives in the organization are pushing the idea that LeMahieu can bounce back and win the third base job in Spring Training. Given his struggles in 2024, that seems more of a hope than a plan. Expect him to get plenty of opportunities to impress in the spring, but the chances of him becoming more than a part-time player are slim.

There is currently no left-handed hitter in the Yankees bullpen capable of handling high-leverage situations. That’s why Cashman and his staff are considering the idea of ​​bringing Andrew Chafin to the Bronx.

He doesn’t have the same electronics as Tanner Scott, but he also won’t have the same price tag in free agency. Compared to Tim Hill, another free agent New York may bring back for another season, Chafin actually has better performances.

Another thing Chafin and Scott have in common is the ability to get batters out on both sides of the plate. The Yankees appear to be seeking that type of flexibility at the back end of their bullpen. Signing Chafin doesn’t appear to be imminent, but things can change quickly in free agency and he’s a player Yankee fans should keep a close eye on in the coming days.