The Future Of The Third Base Position For The Yankees

Jul 5, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder

(2) hits a solo home run during the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Third base is a bit of a weak position around the major leagues right now. At the top you have Evan Longoria, Adrian Beltre and David Wright. Miguel Cabrera is now back at first. Ryan Zimmerman may join Cabrera at that spot next year. Chase Headley and Pablo Sandoval have had roller coaster careers. There are guys like Kris Bryant and Miguel Sano coming, but hey, how many can’t miss prospects have missed? For the New York Yankees, Alex Rodriguez is suspended for this year and his replacement will likely be Kelly Johnson. But, what about after this season and what if Johnson struggles? Where do the Yankees go?

Well, Rodriguez has three years left on his deal. Could the Yankees try to strike a deal to buy him out? I think they want to, but I’m not sure A-Rod really does.  Besides Johnson, Scott Sizemore and Eduardo Nunez could see some time there as well in 2014. If you’re looking at free agency for after 2014, which could impact the trade market this summer, both Headley and Sandoval are free agents. Aramis Ramirez could be another guy who’s a free agent if he and the Brewers part ways.

Prospects? Well, he isn’t exactly one but I talked about Ronnier Mustelier previously. I will mention again, he almost made the team coming out of spring training last year. Eric Jagielo was one of the Yankees’ first round picks last season, but he may be a couple of years away. Tyler Austin may get some time at third in the minors this season. Dante Bichette Jr. hasn’t panned out while Peter O’Brien has been playing both catcher and third and did so in the Arizona Fall League.

Third base is a question mark for the Yankees, not only this year, but moving forward as well. Could the Yankees sign a free agent like Sandoval or Headley next year? Is Jagielo the long-term answer? We shall see.