TAMPA — When Oswaldo Cabrera spoke to a few reporters on Feb. 13, the switch-hitter revealed that he had only been swinging from the left side since the end of his disappointing 2023 season.
This approach applied to the 25 Venezuelan Winter League games that Cabrera played in over the offseason and his training prior to camp. However, Cabrera said that he still wants to be a switch-hitter after batting lefty against a left-handed pitcher late last season.
“I think I have the ability to hit righty,” Cabrera said, adding that he just wanted to improve his vision in left-on-left matchups. However, he noted that he had to discuss the topic with Aaron Boone.
On Friday, Boone provided more of an explanation after Cabrera batted left-handed against southpaw pitching prospects Brock Selvidge and Kyle Carr.
“The way we look at it is we’ll get with him really every series and determine who are the lefties that we’re good with him going left-on-left and who do we think is a guy that if you’re facing him, we go to the right side,” Boone said. “So we’ll be selective about it. There will still be some right-handed [swings].”
Kyle Carr gets Oswaldo Cabrera. As you can see, some of the #Yankees' lower-level pitching prospects are getting work in at GMS today. pic.twitter.com/hbZiVjzXMI
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) February 23, 2024
Cabrera, known for his versatility and energetic personality, flailed at the plate last year, hitting .211 with a .275 OBP, five home runs and 29 RBI between multiple demotions in his sophomore season. As a left-handed batter against right-handed pitchers, Cabrera hit .215. As a right-handed batter against left-handed pitchers, he hit .203.
While neither of those numbers are good, Boone believes Cabrera is a “stronger hitter” from the left side. With that in mind, the manager is hoping that a narrower focus leads to better results.
“I think him focusing on that more and wanting to commit more to that side is something that he wanted, so we kind of got together and met him halfway on this,” Boone said. “Because we do feel like he can hold his own enough right-handed, and there are certain left-on-left matchups that we wouldn’t necessarily want. So that’s how we’re gonna go with it for right now. And we’ll obviously adjust if we have to on the fly.”
MOTION-LESS MACHINE
With DJ LeMahieu expected to be the Yankees’ everyday third baseman this year, Boone said that the versatile infielder will move around the diamond less than he has in previous spring trainings.
While that doesn’t mean LeMahieu won’t spend some time at first and second, his other positions, Boone wants him focused on the hot corner.
“Not to say, in some scenario, we couldn’t see him over there [at second base],” the skipper said. “And I do see him as the guy that’ll give Anthony [Rizzo] a blow, so he’ll get a little first base. But certainly, the first half of spring here, it’ll be pretty much all third.”
LeMahieu has won four Gold Gloves. The first three were awarded for seasons in which he almost exclusively played second base. LeMahieu’s most recent trophy followed a 2022 season in which he divided his time rather evenly between first, second and third.
While second is LeMahieu’s natural position, the Yankees have some depth options there behind Gleyber Torres. Boone said the group includes Cabrera, Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas.
JUMPING OFF JORBIT’S BAT
Vivas, acquired alongside Victor González in the trade that sent Trey Sweeney to the Dodgers, received a little shine from Boone on Friday.
The manager complimented the 22-year-old’s bat-to-ball skills and ability to hit fastballs.
“He did that today,” Boone said. “I thought he looked good. My first time seeing him vs. live BP. A lot went into that, trying to get the right guy in that trade that we made, and we kind of fell on Jorbit. Because of that bat-to-ball that he has, we feel like he can handle second base. So I’m excited to see him this spring for the first time.”
Vivas has yet to play in the majors. He hit .269/.381/.407 with 13 home runs, 63 RBI and 25 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A last year.
While he has spent some time at third, shortstop and in the outfield, Vivas has mostly played second base. With a good debut season in the Yankees’ organization, he could position himself as a replacement for Torres should the veteran walk in free agency next winter.
PERAZA’S PROSPECTS
Peraza could also set himself up as Torres’ successor if he shows that he can hit major league pitching in 2024. A natural shortstop, he’s an outstanding defender who can also dazzle at second and third.
But when asked if Peraza is the primary backup at those positions, Boone replied, “You can throw a lot of guys in that bucket.”
While Boone is confident that the 23-year-old can play those positions, he also mentioned Cabrera and non-roster invitees Jeter Downs, Kevin Smith and Josh VanMeter.
Peraza still has a minor league option, so the Yankees could send him back to Triple-A for everyday at-bats. Cabrera, who can also play the outfield, is in the same boat.
BENCH BOMBERS
So what will the Yankees’ bench look like?
With exhibition games set to begin on Saturday, Peraza and Cabrera are the current favorites to fill infield utility and super-utility roles. However, that could change if some of the names mentioned above force the issue.
“We got a long ways for that to play out and declare itself,” Boone said, “and we do feel like we have a lot of good options that could open eyes.”
Boone also said that the Yankees have to “settle in on” which catchers will break camp with the team. The expectation is that Jose Trevino and Austin Wells will top the depth chart, in that order. But Trevino is nursing a calf injury, and Ben Rortvedt is out of options after helping Gerrit Cole secure a Cy Young Award down the stretch last year.
Trent Grisham is penciled in as the Yankees’ fourth outfielder.
DOMÍNGUEZ SET TO SWING
Boone confirmed that Jasson Domínguez will start hitting on Monday, likely starting with tee work. The 21-year-old, rehabbing after UCL surgery, will only hit from the right side for the first “couple of weeks,” Boone said.
“I’m sure it’s a pretty slow progression,” the manager added.
Domínguez is expected to return some time this summer.
