Yankees Face Critical Infield and Lineup Questions as Season Progresses

As the New York Yankees navigate a challenging and pivotal season, the conversation surrounding their infield depth, lineup construction, and the health of key players has reached a fever pitch. With the American League East as competitive as ever, every roster decision and player performance is under the microscope, and the Yankees’ ability to adapt may determine their postseason fate.

One of the central questions for the Yankees this year revolves around third base and DJ LeMahieu’s health. If LeMahieu is able to remain healthy and perform at even a league-average level, it could transform the team’s approach to the trade deadline. A productive LeMahieu would mean the Yankees wouldn’t need to spend significant financial or prospect capital on acquiring a third baseman, freeing up resources to pursue the best available starting pitcher—a move that could prove crucial in October.

LeMahieu doesn’t need to recapture his 2019-2020 All-Star form to be valuable. The Yankees simply need him to be a solid, reliable presence at third base, especially against left-handed pitching, playing three or so games a week. Such stability would not only help the team on a daily basis but also allow them to avoid a frantic search for infield help come July, when the trade market is notoriously expensive and unpredictable. The reality is, the Yankees are likely to need at least one more starting pitcher for a deep playoff run, and any internal solution at third base is a major asset.

Recent updates from the Yankees’ minor league system have been encouraging. LeMahieu, rehabbing in Double-A, started the season six-for-ten at the plate, looking more like his vintage self. While no one expects him to be a superstar again, his ability to contribute consistently remains a big question—especially given how injuries have limited his durability in recent years. Even if he returns, his workload will likely be managed, playing three or four days a week to preserve his health. Oswaldo Cabrera has filled in admirably, though his throwing has been a surprise area of concern. While Cabrera is a good player, his long-term future as a starting third baseman is uncertain. Notably, Cabrera has improved against left-handed pitching, a testament to his offseason work ethic, which has helped the Yankees hit lefties better than expected.

The Yankees’ offensive flexibility could improve further if Giancarlo Stanton and LeMahieu return to form, allowing the team to move on from less productive bench pieces and solidify their depth. The ongoing debate about Ben Rice’s role at first base or as a backup catcher underscores the importance of in-house versatility. If Stanton returns healthy and Rice continues to hit, the Yankees can shuffle roles to maximize production without overexposing anyone. The bottom line: if you hit in the majors, you find a way to play.

Defensively, LeMahieu’s presence at third base would be a significant upgrade. Pitchers like Max Fried, who induce a high volume of ground balls to third, benefit from a steady glove at the hot corner. Fried ranked fourth in MLB for ground balls to third base last year, highlighting the need for reliability in that spot.

Beyond the infield, the Yankees’ outfield and lineup construction remain works in progress. Cody Bellinger, acquired for his defensive prowess and left-handed bat, has not yet delivered offensively as hoped. While his defense has been spectacular—making highlight-reel catches and providing versatility—his bat has been slow to heat up. Historically, Bellinger was excellent with two strikes during his time with the Cubs, rarely striking out and using his speed to put pressure on defenses. Early in the season, however, a spike in strikeouts has been concerning. If Bellinger can return to his previous form, he could be a valuable seventh hitter in a deep lineup, especially when Stanton and other key bats return. There are questions about whether back issues have affected Bellinger’s power—exit velocities are down, and the ball isn’t jumping off his bat as it did in Chicago. Still, the Yankees hope that a strong May could spark a turnaround.

Jazz Chisholm, another key lineup piece, has shown flashes of power but has struggled with consistency and on-base production. Defensively, Chisholm has committed several miscues, raising concerns about his focus and fundamentals. A recent ejection and subsequent social media activity have only added to the scrutiny. The Yankees need Chisholm to harness his immense speed and athleticism, getting on base more often to fully leverage his talents. Right now, he is arguably the team’s second-most talented everyday player behind Aaron Judge, but his approach at the plate—often swinging for home runs with men on base—can be frustrating. A more disciplined, team-first mentality could elevate both his game and the Yankees’ offense.

The Yankees’ lineup, while more balanced than last season, still struggles with consistency in the middle order. Judge remains a force, with Paul Goldschmidt providing average but not much power. The bottom of the lineup has seen improvement, especially from players who draw walks and hit for power, even if their batting averages are low. League-wide, offense is down, with averages hovering in the .230s, but the Yankees are getting enough production to stay competitive.

There’s also optimism about the potential of young players like Austin Wells, who could provide more than his current .200 batting average suggests, and Anthony Volpe, whose ceiling is still uncertain. For Chisholm, even a .240 or .250 average, combined with his speed, would significantly increase his value. His swing is powerful yet controlled—he doesn’t need to sell out for home runs to make an impact.

The broader challenge for the Yankees is maintaining a balance between style and substance. As seen with other stars like Francisco Lindor, the best players combine flair with flawless fundamentals. The Yankees have been better in this regard so far in 2024, but lapses in routine plays can have outsized consequences in tight postseason races. The memory of last year’s World Series, where small mistakes proved costly, lingers as a reminder of what’s at stake.

Looking ahead, the Yankees’ success will hinge on the health of players like LeMahieu and Stanton, the continued development of their young core, and the ability of key contributors like Bellinger and Chisholm to find their form. Manager Aaron Boone remains confident in Stanton’s ability to change games and values the strategic advantage of alternating lefties and righties in the lineup. If Stanton returns to postseason form, he can be as dangerous as Judge for stretches.

Ultimately, the Yankees have the ingredients for a strong one-through-nine lineup and a deep postseason run. But as the season unfolds, every detail—from third base defense to lineup construction—will matter. The Yankees know better than anyone that championships are won on the margins, and 2024 will be no exception.