Yankees' Cabrera, LeMahieu Leaning Into Their Versatility
When it comes to versatility, the Yankees have no shortage of depth.
With Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu and Isiah Kiner-Falefa, New York already has three players who are accustomed to fielding multiple positions. Throw in shortstop prospects Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe – who will move around the diamond this spring – and the Yankees should have plenty of flexibility to work with.
Cabrera, who played first, second, short, third, left and right last season over the course of just 44 major league games, is a candidate for New York’s left field job, as is Aaron Hicks. But the 23-year-old is happy to play anywhere in 2023.
“The position that I prefer to play is the position that the manager wants me at that day to help the team win,” Cabrera, who spent more time in right than anywhere else last year, told reporters Sunday.
LeMahieu, 34, echoed similar sentiments. The four-time Gold Glover is expected to roam the Yankees’ infield, splitting time at the corners and second base. LeMahieu has been dividing his time between those positions fairly evenly since joining the Yankees in 2019.
"I'm excited,” LeMahieu said, per MLB.com’ Bryan Hoch. “I really like playing different positions and moving around. I think it fits my skillset well and helps our team."
LeMahieu, who was plagued by foot/toe issues last season, added that he feels fully recovered after opting against offseason surgery. He’s not anticipating any restrictions in camp.
Kiner-Falefa, meanwhile, is competing with Peraza and Volpe for the Yankees’ starting shortstop job. The veteran’s defense at short hurt the team at times last year – he was benched during the playoffs – but Kiner-Falefa also has experience as a catcher, second baseman and Gold Glove third baseman. He could serve as a valuable utility man if he doesn’t win the shortstop battle and the Yankees keep him.
The prospects have not moved off shortstop much in their young careers, but Yankees manager Aaron Boone has made it clear that they will get reps elsewhere in the coming weeks. Peraza, who made his MLB debut last year, has played 16 professional games at second base, while Volpe spent two games at second and three at third in 2021.
"All of our shortstops will play more than one position this spring," Boone reiterated Sunday.
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