The New York Yankees are still in need of an infielder, and the focus will remain on whether Brian Cashman made enough moves this offseason to build a World Series-winning team. With Opening Day still ahead, there’s time to add an infielder and boost the offense. Their hesitance to rely on Oswald Peraza or DJ LeMahieu suggests they are still exploring options.
Whether through free agency or trades, we’ll look at three infielders who could help the Yankees’ chances of winning the 2025 title. While these players aren’t stars, the infield market doesn’t feature a game-changer, but they could raise the overall strength of the team and create a more balanced lineup, provided other key players step up.
Why Trade Him Away?
Ramon Urias, originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals and now with the Baltimore Orioles, has shown he can contribute with a 109 wRC+ and 5.2 fWAR over 429 games. Despite his struggles, the Orioles have always featured him, even with the rise of younger players. With top prospect Jackson Holliday in the mix, the Orioles might be more willing to trade the veteran to improve another area of the roster.
Their pitching staff is mostly set, but they could always trade for a pitcher with minor league options. Someone like Clayton Beeter, who has shifted to a bullpen role, could offer an intriguing trade asset for the Orioles. With six years of control, any potential return could offer value in high-leverage innings.
The Orioles may consider moving Urias to clear room for Coby Mayo and ease future roster decisions when Jorge Mateo returns.
Why Trade For Him?
The Yankees need an infielder, and Urias could be a solid option. He’s a better defender at second base than third, but given the Yankees’ preference for Jazz Chisholm at second, they may experiment with Urias at third during Spring Training. His right-handed bat would fit well in Yankee Stadium, where his expected performance could improve significantly compared to Camden Yards, especially for right-handed hitters. Urias isn’t a star but could be a reliable starter, having posted a 123 wRC+ in away games last season.
Why Sign Him?
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The Yankees could use a solid defender who excels against left-handed pitchers. Oswaldo Cabrera is good defensively at third base and has a bat that works against right-handed pitchers, making him a useful platoon partner with Jose Iglesias, who is known for his strong splits against lefties. Iglesias, while not a star, offers elite defense and could help improve the team’s infield depth with a 1.0 fWAR every season since 2013. If the Yankees sign him for a one-year deal worth around $3 million, they could get a productive player on a budget.
Iglesias might not be a huge upgrade over DJ LeMahieu or Oswald Peraza, but he brings more consistency and experience to a team looking to shore up its infield.
Why Trade Him Away?
Minnesota’s expected ownership change could affect how they manage payroll, and Willi Castro could be a casualty of potential cost-cutting moves. With infield depth, the Twins may be willing to trade Castro, especially given the emergence of younger players like Jose Miranda and Edouard Julien. The Yankees could entice the Twins with a prospect or major league-ready player in return.
Why Trade For Him?
Castro offers the Yankees infield versatility, capable of playing third base, and even filling in at right field when Aaron Judge DHs. His ability to pull the ball to right field makes him a good fit for the Yankees’ lineup, especially in the bottom of the order, where he could contribute around 17-18 home runs. Adding Castro would make the Yankees more athletic and provide greater lineup depth, with him batting 7th or 8th, pushing Anthony Volpe to the nine-hole for better balance.
The Yankees’ focus on improving athleticism fits with Castro’s profile, and his defensive ability, baserunning, and bat would be a valuable addition.
If the Twins are looking for catching depth, the Yankees might be able to offer Rafael Flores and JC Escarra in exchange.
