Yankees Eye Yandy Díaz as a Solution at Third Base
The New York Yankees continue to seek an answer at third base, a position that remains a weak spot in an otherwise strong lineup. While the team explored options like Nolan Arenado during the offseason, no deal materialized. Arenado may still be a possibility, but another name gaining traction is Tampa Bay Rays veteran Yandy Díaz, a player the Yankees have reportedly shown interest in dating back to last season’s trade deadline.
Díaz, a familiar face in the AL East, has been a key offensive contributor for the Rays since 2019. Over the past three seasons, he has posted a .302 batting average and an .836 OPS. He claimed the American League batting title in 2023 with a .330 average.
While Díaz hasn’t had a hot start this year, that’s typical for him. In 2023, he batted just .220 through the first month before finishing strong with a .297 average the rest of the way. His slow starts haven’t overshadowed his consistent offensive production.
Díaz has also performed well at Yankee Stadium, hitting five home runs and ten doubles in 177 plate appearances. Despite his offensive prowess, his defensive role has shifted in recent years. He hasn’t played third base since July 2023, focusing mostly on first base and designated hitter duties.
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Still, the Yankees could consider moving him back to third to boost their lineup with his reliable bat. His contract is another advantage—he’s signed for $10 million this season and $12 million in 2026, with a vesting option for $13 million in 2027 if he reaches 500 plate appearances.
At age 33, Díaz isn’t a short-term rental. If acquired, he could fill the Yankees’ third-base gap for multiple seasons at a reasonable cost. Whether or not a deal gets done, Díaz remains a name to watch as the season unfolds.
