Yankees receiving trade calls on fan favorite option as second base buzz builds

The New York Yankees' pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 11, and let us just say: thank goodness the second basemen report a little bit later. Honestly, that early deadline feels like it'd be stretching it, based on the Yankees' continued uncertainty at the position, and underwhelming buzz swirling around its eventual resolution.

As recently as (checks notes) Jan. 4, it seemed like common knowledge that the Yankees preferred Jazz Chisholm at second, his natural position, rather than third, a spot he learned on the fly in 2024. He compiled a remarkable eight outs above average in just 45 games at third base last year, letting his instincts take over and fuel his range. Unfortunately, he was missing many of the little things and time-honed techniques; second base would probably be safer.

And yet, all of a sudden, the Yankees don't seem to feel quite as settled on that option. Over the past week, they've been connected to myriad second baseman and very few, if any, third basemen. That includes the trade market, where a blockbuster Luis Arraez deal has been discussed, but doesn't seem to have progressed.

Suddenly, you can add a new wrinkle to the mix, too, as multiple sources told Brendan Kuty of The Athletic that the Yankees have fielded recent trade calls about Oswaldo Cabrera's availability. There doesn't seem to be any traction there, at the moment, and the Yankees would be wise to hold onto the utility standout (though they still shouldn't bank on starting him).

Yankees' trade buzz around Oswaldo Cabrera building as second base options dwindle

Penciling in Cabrera, an excellent utility option, as the team's everyday starter come Opening Day seems underwhelming. You know what'd be way worse, though? Trading him and thinning out the Yankees' nearly nonexistent depth even further.

Names mentioned in Kuty's article, to varying degrees of realism, include Arraez, Jorge Polanco (who's been checked in on), Brendan Rodgers, Ha-Seong Kim, Kiké Hernández, and Whit Merrifield. Other than Arraez, and possibly Polanco, all of those additions would require the Yankees to keep as many internal irons in the fire as they possibly could to remain comfortable; Kim, a bonafide starter, will be missing a chunk of the season as he rehabs from shoulder surgery. Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas and, yes, DJ LeMahieu, could all factor in.

Want to get really bleak? Jon Heyman noted Paul DeJong, in addition to Rodgers, as his "more likely" options for the budget-conscious Yankees. Rodgers, a 2022 Gold Glove winner, is still "not considered a strong defender," per Kuty's conversations. DeJong posted a 97 OPS+ and slugged for the White Sox last season, but found himself out of the Royals' lineup ahead of the ALDS.

All told, expect the Yankees to add, not subtract, from their infield.

But don't expect to be blown away by the addition.