The New York Yankees’ third base situation has been a glaring weakness for years, and it’s a problem that just won’t go away. Since Gio Urshela’s departure after the 2021 season, the team has been in a seemingly endless search for a reliable hot corner anchor. The Bombers have tried patching the hole with veteran stopgaps like Josh Donaldson and DJ LeMahieu, but neither provided a long-term solution. LeMahieu’s decline was particularly stark, leading to his release last July, which finally forced the Yankees’ hand at the trade deadline.
Enter Ryan McMahon, acquired from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitching prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. McMahon is a defensive stalwart but a below-average hitter with a penchant for strikeouts—exactly what he delivered in his 54 games with the Yankees. He’s projected to start at third base in 2026, but his offensive limitations leave fans wondering if he’s truly the answer.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Amed Rosario, another trade deadline acquisition, re-signed this offseason and could factor heavily into the third base equation. With the Yankees’ lineup heavily left-handed, Rosario’s versatility—bouncing between second base, third base, and the outfield—makes him a valuable platoon option against southpaw starters. While McMahon might get the nod against right-handed pitchers, Rosario could see significant time at third when Jazz Chisholm Jr. is in the lineup against lefties.
These moves were part of a larger trade deadline overhaul in 2025 that reshaped the Yankees’ roster but came at a steep cost: a significant drain on their minor-league talent. Third base was one of the hardest-hit positions, leaving the organization’s depth at the hot corner thinner than ever.
The farm system’s top third base prospects have largely been traded away. Jesus Rodriguez and Parks Harber, who showed promise in Triple-A and Low-A/High-A respectively, were shipped to the Giants in the Camilo Doval deal. Dylan Jasso, the primary third baseman for Double-A Somerset, was traded to Miami in the Ryan Weathers deal just weeks ago.
These departures leave a gaping hole in the organization’s third base pipeline. Jorbit Vivas, who played 33 games at third in Triple-A last season, could step into a larger role, but the Yankees also have newly acquired veterans like Braden Shewmake, Paul DeJong, and Zack Short who could factor into the mix.
At Double-A Somerset, the departure of Jasso leaves third base wide open. Tyler Hardman, primarily a first baseman, could shift to the hot corner if the team promotes Coby Morales to first. Josh Moylan, who led High-A Hudson Valley in third base appearances, is another candidate for a promotion. Moylan has been a slightly above-average hitter with solid walk and strikeout rates, making him a player to watch.
Other potential third base options include Owen Cobb, Enmanuel Tejeda, Kaeden Kent, and Roderick Arias, all of whom have experience at other infield positions. With so few dedicated third basemen in the system, these players could find themselves with unexpected opportunities if they can adapt to the hot corner.
And this is the part most people miss: FanGraphs’ Roster Resource tool lists only three minor leaguers as primary third basemen in the Yankees’ system, none higher than Low-A. The most intriguing of these is Richard Matic, a 17-year-old who dominated the Dominican Summer League in 2025 after a disappointing debut the year prior. Matic’s .336/.487/.566 slash line and five home runs in 46 games suggest he could be a breakout power-hitting prospect—if he can handle the jump to stateside competition.
Third base remains the most chaotic infield position for the Yankees heading into 2026, but it’s also the most intriguing. While it’s unlikely any of these prospects will contribute at the major league level soon, the opportunity for someone to emerge as a long-term solution is there.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for Yankees fans: With the team’s current third base situation, should they prioritize acquiring a proven veteran or continue to develop internal options, even if it means enduring growing pains? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
