Yankees Infield ‘One Injury Away From Devastation’ Warns New York MLB Analyst

The New York Yankees’ Risky Decision at Second Base: A Potential Season-Defining Mistake

The New York Yankees’ decision to let seven-year second baseman Gleyber Torres walk away without making an offer has left many scratching their heads. Torres, a key figure in the Yankees’ infield for nearly a decade, signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Detroit Tigers in late December. The expectation was that General Manager Brian Cashman would quickly move to fill the void left by Torres’ departure. Instead, as spring training gets underway, the Yankees have done nothing to address the opening at second base. This inaction has raised eyebrows and sparked concern among fans and analysts alike.

The Lack of Offseason Action: A Cause for Concern

Over the course of the offseason, the Yankees were linked to several potential replacements for Torres. Names like Ha-Seong Kim of the San Diego Padres, Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays, and Whit Merrifield, who split the 2024 season between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, were all floated as possible targets. However, it appears that the Yankees’ interest in these players was either non-existent or half-hearted. With the offseason now officially over and spring training in full swing, the team has failed to acquire a new infielder, leaving a glaring hole at second base.

APatchwork Solution: Jazz Chisolm Jr. and the Risk of Injury

To fill the gap left by Torres, the Yankees are turning to Jazz Chisolm Jr., a player they acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Miami Marlins last year. Chisolm was originally brought in to play third base, but he has now been shifted back to second base—a position he has played before but not consistently in recent years. While Chisolm’s fielding ability is not the primary concern, his injury-prone history is. Over his five-year career, Chisolm has played more than 100 games only twice, with injuries consistently limiting his availability and consistency. In 2024, he appeared in a career-high 147 games, but relying on him to replicate that durability is a gamble.

The Ripple Effect: A Shaky Infield and Lack of Depth

If Chisolm were to miss time due to injury, the Yankees’ infield depth would be severely tested. The shift of Chisolm to second base has left third base in a state of flux, with DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Oswaldo Cabrera all vying for playing time at the position. This patchwork arrangement leaves little room for error. Should an injury occur at either second or third base, the Yankees would be forced to scramble for solutions, and the internal options currently available do not inspire much confidence. This lack of depth and contingency planning could prove disastrous in the long run.

A Potential Solution: Brendan Rodgers and the Case for a Low-Risk Signing

One name that has been floated as a potential solution to the Yankees’ infield woes is Brendan Rodgers, the former Colorado Rockies second baseman. Despite being drafted third overall by the Rockies in 2015, Rodgers was non-tendered by the team in November and remains a free agent. While Spotrac projects his market value at $56.4 million over four years, the fact that he has yet to sign with a new team suggests that he could be acquired for significantly less. Signing Rodgers would provide the Yankees with a low-risk, high-reward option to shore up their infield and add much-needed depth.

The Bigger Picture: A Risky Gamble with Potentially Severe Consequences

The Yankees’ decision to stand pat and rely on Chisolm and a makeshift group of infielders is a risky gamble. As Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media warned, the team is “one injury away from devastation in the infield.” Should Chisolm miss significant time or the third base situation fail to pan out, the Yankees could find themselves in a difficult position, scrambling to find solutions in the middle of the season. This lack of foresight and preparation could ultimately prove to be a season-defining mistake. With the competitiveness of the American League East and the high expectations surrounding the Yankees, failing to address this issue now could have severe consequences down the line.