The New York Yankees are grappling with persistent difficulties finding a dependable option at third base, prompting the team to consider Maikel Garcia as a potential solution. After entering the offseason with ambitions to strengthen their lineup by acquiring players like Max Fried, Devin Williams, and Cody Bellinger, the Yankees still face a critical gap at the hot corner that has yet to be resolved.
Rather than pursuing established stars such as Nolan Arenado or Alex Bregman, the Yankees initially relied on developing their young infielders Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza. Unfortunately, this internal approach has failed to provide the stability expected, intensifying the team‘s woes at third base.
Injuries and Performance Issues Hamper Infield Prospects
Oswaldo Cabrera’s 2024 season ended prematurely after a fractured ankle sustained in May during just his 34th game, leaving the Yankees short-handed. Oswald Peraza, though healthy, has struggled offensively with a concerning slash line of .147/.208/.238. In response, the Yankees turned to Jazz Chisholm Jr. to cover third base duties. While Chisholm has enjoyed a career-best offensive season, his defensive limitations forced the team to move him back to second base, worsening the third base predicament.
The Yankees have endured a difficult run with a 17-23 stretch, underscoring the urgency of addressing their challenges at third base. Despite Peraza receiving regular playing time, his continued struggles highlight the team‘s lack of depth at the position.
Assessing Trade Options to Address the Third Base Challenge
Speculation has centered around the possibility of acquiring Eugenio Suárez from the Arizona Diamondbacks, who is having a standout season with 36 home runs, ranking him second in the National League. However, the Yankees face obstacles in negotiating a trade for Suárez due to their relatively weaker farm system compared to other contenders.
Given these hurdles, alternative targets are gaining attention. A notable analyst proposed that the Yankees could use their surplus outfield prospects as trade assets to pursue Kansas City Royals All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia as a viable replacement.
Maikel Garcia Offers a Balanced and Cost-Effective Solution
If the Yankees can’t land Eugenio Suárez from the Diamondbacks, then Garcia would be a solid pivot,
the analyst noted. Although Garcia does not match Suárez’s raw power, he offers valuable qualities that could benefit the Yankees. His exceptional plate discipline results in a low strikeout rate, complemented by a keen eye for pitches. Data reveals Garcia’s 36.5% squared-up percentage ranks in the 96th percentile among qualified MLB hitters, suggesting potential power growth in New York’s hitter-friendly environment compared to spacious Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Defensively, Garcia excels as well, ranking in the 87th percentile with three Outs Above Average. He has displayed excellent speed, accumulating 56 stolen bases since the start of the 2024 season. A critical advantage for the Yankees is Garcia’s team control extending through 2029, contrasting with Suárez’s upcoming contract expiration, providing long-term stability at third base.
Balancing Trade Costs and Roster Dynamics
Acquiring Garcia might require the Yankees to consider trading standout outfield prospect Jasson Domínguez, who has shown promising development during his 22-year-old season. While Domínguez’s rise adds depth to the Yankees’ outfield mix—which currently includes stars like Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Trent Grisham, plus minor league talent Spencer Jones—moving him could help resolve congestion and facilitate the pursuit of a third base solution.
For the Royals, Domínguez could be a valuable addition given their underperforming outfield group featuring John Rave, Kyle Isbel, and Jac Caglianone, collectively producing a disappointing -0.7 WAR this season. A trade deal involving Domínguez might appeal to Kansas City, enabling the Yankees to acquire Garcia and finally address their third base struggles.
Upcoming Decisions Could Reshape Yankees’ Roster Stability
With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees confront pivotal roster choices that could redefine their direction in 2024 and beyond. The urgency to secure a reliable and talented third baseman like Maikel Garcia has intensified, as the current options have yet to deliver the consistent production and defense the team requires. This strategic move could provide the Yankees with a balanced combination of offense, defense, and long-term control essential for stabilizing their infield.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Maikel Garcia related to Alcides Escobar?
A. Garcia’s skills and possibilities have grown as he moved up in the Royals’ minor league ranks. He is related to Royals’ playoff standout Alcides Escobar and Braves star Ronald Acuña. Garcia joined the Royals from Venezuela in 2016.
Q. Are Maikel Garcia and Alcides Escobar related?
A. García is related to Alcides Escobar, a 13-year MLB player, and Ronald Acuña Jr. through his cousins.