Oswaldo Cabrera DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

New York Yankees infielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza are in the mix to claim the starting third base job. Manager Aaron Boone also noted that Pablo Reyes is also in the mix. DJ LeMahieu (calf) sustained an injury over the weekend and could be in danger of missing Opening Day, which opens up a starting role for one of these hitters. Cabrera is the likely candidate to win the job as he started 74 of his 109 games at the hot corner last season. Across this stint, Cabrera held a .247/.296/.365 line with eight home runs and a modest 19.3 percent strikeout rate. Peraza has spent most of his professional career as a shortstop but did log 19 starts at third base between the majors and the minor leagues last season. However, across 74 MLB contests, he holds an underwhelming .200/.297/.315 line. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their development during camp. However, Cabrera will likely win the job given his experience and will carry value in deeper formats batting in a potent Yankee lineup.

According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, several teams have checked in on the availability of Oswaldo Cabrera. Kuty noted that the 25-year-old switch-hitter is on an affordable contract and still has another year before salary arbitration, which makes him an intriguing target. He also has experience playing multiple positions in the infield and outfield, which adds to his flexibility. The Yankees are still in the market for an infielder and could potentially use Cabrera as a trade chip to acquire a more experienced bat. With Gleyber Torres now in Detroit, the Yankees have an open spot in their starting lineup. While internal options like Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, or Oswald Peraza could eventually earn that role, the Yankees have expressed interest in several free agents and trade targets. Last season, Cabrera posted a .247/.296/.365 line with eight home runs and four stolen bases.

New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera will get the start at first base and will hit eighth for the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals and right-hander Seth Lugo. Cabrera has only faced Lugo three times in his career and has a single and a strikeout. The 25-year-old made the start in the Game 1 win over the Royals on Saturday and went 1-for-4 with a double and three strikeouts before retreating to the bench for the Game 2 loss on Monday. Cabrera is a switch-hitter but has fared much better from the left side against right-handers in 2024, batting .268 (59-for-220) with all eight of his home runs from that side. He hit just .190 (15-for-79) with no home runs and 20 strikeouts in 84 plate appearances from the right side. Cabrera is a low-upside DSF sleeper on Wednesday near the bottom of the lineup.