3 Yankees playing for their jobs heading into the 2023 season

Josh Donaldson

The three-time All-Star is still a very good defensive third baseman, but Donaldson's fighting father time right now. The 37-year-old could be replaced by a younger player before we know it.

With a club option after this year, the Yankees will have an opportunity to keep Donaldson for $16 million in 2024 (HA!) or buy him out for $8 million. When he was acquired last offseason, it was framed as the Yankees inheriting Donaldson's remaining two years and $50 million, which included his buyout, so don't count on him being here in 2024 regardless of his performance in 2023.

After having his worst statistical offensive season of his career last year, it would be pretty shocking to assume Donaldson returns to his 162-game averages of 32 home runs and 96 RBI. It appears he's hit the aging curve harder than anyone could've expected.

The Yankees want to move forward with their crew of young infielders in Oswald Peraza, Anthony Volpe and Oswaldo Cabrera. There's also the slugging Andres Chaparro, who's starting to force the issue with his bat. Regardless, the Yankees can find a better (or younger) third baseman for 2024 when all is said and done.