Yankees’ Plans For Second Base in 2027...

Yankees’ Plans For Second Base in 2027

Are, Unfortunately, The Most Realistic Option

By Derek McAdam

November 6, 2026

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Nearly one month after the New York Yankees were eliminated from the post-season and less than one month away from an expected lockout that could certainly result in no baseball being played next year, rumors are flying about what the Yankees could do with their off-season.

There are several areas of need for the Yankees, including upgrading at third base and getting a right-handed catcher, as well as potentially adding depth in centerfield and the bullpen. Not only that, but the Yankees seem to want to finalize the majority of their team before the lockout is set to begin in early December, as they are likely to be joined by the majority of teams around the league in having that same thought process.

As always, the Yankees gave been linked to nearly all of the top free agents available, but they do not seem to be linked to any of the top available second basemen available. Brian Cashman declined to extend the qualifying offer to Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is coming off a disappointing 2026 season and is likely to find a new home in free agency. The second base market will also consist of Brandon Lowe and Luis Arraez, amongst several other names.

But the Yankees have decided that they will platoon Anthony Volpe and Jose Caballero at second base for the 2027 season. With Luis Garcia Jr. having second base experience as well, he could also be an option if the Yankees decide to give Ben Rice more experience at first, which would not necessarily be a bad idea. Even though there are upgrades in free agency, this is likely the most realistic option possible.

I think most Yankee fans would love to see Arraez in pinstripes next season for the basic factor that he is a natural hitter. Here are the downsides that Cashman is simply not going to overlook: his defense is not great, he does not draw many walks, and most importantly, he does not hit for power. Cashman clearly is not too concerned about the first two traits, since Garcia Jr. actually fits both of those categories. But he does hit for power and is a pretty good hitter as well. But when it comes to Arraez, it is Cashman’s worst nightmare of a hitter.

And I certainly would join the masses in wanting Arraez to become a Yankee. Their primary focus is on launch angles and it is definitely a reason as to why they have not won a World Series in 17 years. But if the Yankees are going to spend money, I want them to upgrade in other fields before they would go after Arraez or Lowe.

Simply put, Ryan McMahon was a disaster at third base last year. And it is not even just his offense that was bad, because he has never been anything incredible at the plate. But the Yankees acquired him last year for his defense at third base. Even that took a big step back in 2026 and he has one year remaining on his contract. I cannot see McMahon being cut or traded, so he will likely be with the team this season, but he should not be the everyday starting third baseman.

The Yankees also need a right-handed catcher to platoon with Austin Wells. I liked Ali Sanchez, but I think the Yankees want to upgrade to someone such as Ryan Jeffers, who they were linked to at the Trade Deadline. I could see Jeffers and Wells getting a fairly equal number of starts behind the plate, especially since Wells’ offense came around towards the end of the season. If it did not, I could see Jeffers being the full-time starting catcher and Wells playing once or twice a week.

In addition to these positions, the Yankees would also like to add to their bullpen as they are losing several arms such as Paul Blackburn and Tim Hill. They have been very interested in Adrian Morejon and have already extended the qualifying offer to David Bednar. I would expect at least one, if not both, of these players to be in pinstripes next season. Cashman also wants to add some depth in centerfield, potentially as the Yankees are still not 100% sold on Spencer Jones.

But back to second base, I like the idea of Volpe getting most of the starts there and Caballero filling in every now and then. Volpe showed some potential down the stretch of the season offensively. If he can continue to just being a pure hitter who is not always swinging for the fence, I think second base is perfect for him. He does not have a great arm, but still has good range. And Caballero is a true utility player who is great when he is playing two or three times a week, not every day.

Out of nearly all the positions in the field, second base is one that the Yankees have more than enough options to choose from. Heck, if they really wanted to, even McMahon could play the position. So I understand why they do not want to look in free agency for a second baseman. It also makes sense as to why they are not bringing Chisholm back. I do not think the organization would see him as a defensive upgrade at third base to McMahon, so why even pay him a bigger contract to downgrade defensively.

I would rather the Yankees prioritize the other positions than go after someone for second base. Although I would love for an Arraez or Lowe to become a Yankee, this team is in much more of a dire need for upgrades at other positions and those should be taken care of first, when it be via free agency or a trade. And since many teams want to get their teams set before the lockout, the next few weeks should be filled with transactions. And I imagine the ball will drop pretty soon, so stay tuned!