Yankees Face Tougher AL East Battle as Red Sox Make Bold Move
The New York Yankees enter the 2025 season with a glaring question mark at third base. As things stand, manager Aaron Boone appears set to hand the starting role to DJ LeMahieu, a decision that raises concerns given the veteran’s injury history and declining performance.
Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera are also in contention, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. could be an option if the Yankees need an in-season adjustment. Despite past links to Nolan Arenado, New York’s front office seems unwilling to take on his hefty contract and part with assets to bring in the future Hall of Famer.
While the Yankees have made strong offseason moves—particularly after missing out on Juan Soto—other teams in the AL East have also strengthened their rosters. The most aggressive move came from their longtime rivals, the Boston Red Sox.
According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, Boston landed star third baseman Alex Bregman on a three-year, $120 million deal, featuring opt-outs after each season. With Rafael Devers locked in at third and Triston Casas healthy, Bregman is expected to shift to second base, giving the Red Sox one of the most formidable infield units in the league.
Meanwhile, the Yankees’ infield remains a mix of aging veterans and unproven talent. Paul Goldschmidt, while a future Hall of Famer, is now 37 and has seen a drop-off in production since winning NL MVP in 2022. LeMahieu’s durability remains a major concern, while Peraza and Cabrera have yet to prove they can be everyday contributors. Only Chisholm and Anthony Volpe are in their prime, making New York’s infield a clear step behind Boston’s revamped group.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees still boast a deeper roster and superior pitching staff, making them favorites over the Red Sox. However, with Boston’s latest high-profile acquisition, it’s clear that the AL East race is about to become even more intense.
