by Paul Semendinger
December 31, 2024
***
One thing I am starting to really like about the 2025* Yankees is the team, as currently constructed, is very (very) (very) versatile.
(*thank you Prof. Robert)
This is a team with a ton of interchangeable parts. The player flexibility will be amazing.
A quick summary of the position players thus far:
Ben Rice: Catcher, First Base
Jazz Chisholm: Second Base, Third Base, Shortstop, Center Field
Cody Bellinger: Left Field, Center Field, Right Field, First Base
Aaron Judge: Right Field, Center Field
Oswaldo Cabrera: First Base, Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base, Left Field, Center Field, Right Field
Oswald Peraza: Second Base, Shortstop, Third Base
Jasson Dominguez: Left Field, Right Field, Center Field
D.J. LeMahieu: First Base, Second Base, Third Base
J.C. Escarra: Catcher, First Base, Third Base
This offers the team tremendous depth and flexibility. This can only be a good thing.
A few weeks ago, Ethan suggested that the Yankees target Isiah Kiner-Falefa as a depth piece. My initial reaction was, "No!" but as I thought about it, IKF as a depth piece makes a ton of sense. He was worth 3.6 WAR in 2024. When he was in the Bronx, the Yankees used him in ways for which he wasn't suited, and so he struggled, but as a depth piece, as a role player, he'd be tremendously valuable. Imagine adding his depth:
IKF: Second base, Shortstop, Third Base, Left Field, Center Field, Right Field, Catcher
WOW!
The Yankees shouldn't be done yet. As noted by many, they need a proven third baseman, but with this cast of players, Aaron Boone should be able to find favorable match-ups game-after-game-after-game.
I am really liking how this ballclub is shaping up!
I believe IKF has signed with the A's and I wouldn't trade for him and although there is a lot of versatility unfortunately I have very little confidence in "Boonie" taken advantage of finding the right combinations.
You forgot the “Catcher” for Cabrera! Before I’m “corrected”, its a joke as that is the only one he doesn’t play. Wouldn’t put it past him to try if asked.
Position versatility is of course, awesome. It’s exactly what a successful team needs. Guys have to be able to “play”, though. Love how the regulars are shaping up. The bench outside of Cabrera, not so much. Seems they still have work to do there. There is time.
The problem with IKF is the $7.5mm salary. They are not doing that for a bench player. Not on purpose, anyway. Here’s looking at you DJL.
Do they see him as an everyday third baseman? If so maybe ya got something!
I propose…
do they keep LeMahieu
or do they decide that his batting skill has been too attenuated
and his roster spot better assigned to another?
Yes, but . . . right now I look at 3B and see a combination of Cabrera, Peraza and LeMahieu. Sure, positional flexibility is great, but not if it means being stuck with a three-headed out machine manning the hot corner.
Also, typo, I think you mean 2025 up at the top. I challenge myself every year to stop doing that before January ends!
Only Grisham, Goldschmidt, Volpe, & Wells are one position guys..... BUT..DON'T stick Dominguez in RF, or Cabrera at 2B. Also, do not forget Everson Pereira, who can play both LF & CF at a high level. Then there is the former Cubs top prospect and non tender signee, OF Brennen Davis, another RHB, who can play all 3 OF spots and should be in AAA, not to mention, C/1B Raffy Torres, who could start 2025 in AAA or back in AA, and Jesus Rodriguez, who will start in AA but can play C-3B-LF-1B-2B.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!