As if spring training has not dragged on long enough, Yankee fans will now be clamoring for it to come to an end even sooner after the injury news of the past few days. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil shut down a bullpen session after feeling some tightness, and is heading to the Injured List with a high-grade lat strain. DJ LeMahieu, who is being counted on to return to his pre-2023 form, is once again shut down with a calf injury. Gil will not throw for at least six weeks.
Thankfully, the team's pitching depth should be able to sustain an absence from Gil, with Marcus Stroman likely to occupy a rotation spot in the meantime. Stroman has been in the news a bit of late, with the offseason-long trade rumors leading the veteran to declare he would not pitch out of the bullpen.
Stroman and Will Warren, who has displayed an electric arsenal in spring training, are the likely competitors for the vacant spot. Warren spins a double-plus slider and runs his fastball in to the upper 90s. Clearly, Warren would be the long-term internal answer, but Stroman's public stance likely tanked his trade value.
Should Brian Cashman and company look to free agency, Kyle Gibson appears to be the best option. Gibson was perfectly fine last season with St. Louis, posting a 4.42 FIP and 9.4% walk rate despite a career low average fastball velocity of 91.6 mph. Gibson and Stroman share a ton of similarities in pitching style, with a lot of movement and reliance on soft contact. Gibson would come with a (likely) lower pay day, and his signing is likely contingent on Stroman being moved.
Entering the spring, third base seemed to be an open position in the Yankees' lineup. Both LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera appeared to be the frontrunners, up until this past weekend. Cabrera is still likely to command a large portion of at-bats, posting a .268/.320/.409 slash line against RHP last season, bashing all eight of his home runs from that side of the plate. Internally, Oswald Peraza is a near perfect right-handed hitting option to pair with Cabrera. Peraza, once touted for his power, speed and defensive potential, has managed a meager 74 wRC+ in 74 big league games across three seasons. There still is a glimmer of hope with Peraza being just 24 years old, but with his minor-league options expired, the time is now or never.
Yankees could pivot to Kyle Gibson, Jose Iglesias in MLB free agency after recent injuries
On the free agent market, Jose Iglesias, aka Candelita, is clearly the best option left. Iglesias has earned the reputation of a defensive wizard, but posted a career high 2.5 fWAR on the back of a 137 wRC+ in just 85 games for the crosstown Mets last season.
Despite a miserable 4.5% career walk rate, Iglesias makes a ton of contact, and can play third, second, and shortstop. Even better, Iglesias has crushed lefties in his career, hitting .300 with 22 home runs and a 110 wRC+ in his career. Plus, the clubhouse vibes would go through the roof with Iglesias' personality. Iglesias will likely cost under $5 million, but his addition would come at the expense of Peraza.
If the Yankees look outside the organization at both spots, could a package of Stroman and Peraza yield anything significant for the club? Lefty relief is still something the club should be seeking.
