Would the New York Yankees really make this move with the team's fan favorite?
The New York Yankees have certainly spent a whole lot of time addressing their bench since last year's trade deadline, acquiring Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero midway through last season and even signing Paul DeJong in free agency.
What's more, the Yankees re-signed Rosario earlier this offseason, indicating their plan to use him rather significantly in 2026.
But what does all of this mean for Oswaldo Cabrera?
Cabrera has long been New York's top utility man and has been a favorite among Yankees fans, not to mention a fantastic personality in the locker room.
However, the 26-year-old (who turns 27 on March 1) suffered a devastating, gruesome broken ankle injury during the first half of 2025, knocking him out for the remainder of the season and now putting his roster spot for 2026 in jeopardy.
You would think that Cabrera, who has displayed the ability to play every infield position as well as outfield, would be a roster lock due to his versatility, but Alexander Wilson of Empire Sports Media is actually predicting Cabrera to miss the cut this year.
New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images."It pains me to write this because Oswaldo Cabrera is the heartbeat of the dugout, but the math is working against him," Wilson wrote. "After fracturing his ankle and missing the bulk of 2025, he watched the Yankees go out and replace him with Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero. Those aren’t depth moves; those are 'we need production' moves."
Wilson then cited Cabrera's numbers from last season, with the Venezuelan native slashing .243/.322/.308 with one home run and 11 RBI over 122 plate appearances.
"Cabrera is statistically the odd man out, and unless he tears the cover off the ball in March, I expect him to start the year in Triple-A," Wilson added. "The Yankees can’t afford a utility man who can’t hit, regardless of how nice his smile is."
Cabrera has been a mainstay on New York's roster since the back half of 2022, but Wilson is right: the switch hitter lays claim to a lifetime .641 OPS, which just isn't good enough considering how productive Rosario and Caballero were in 2025.
Yes, Cabrera's defense is certainly valuable, but with Anthony Volpe due to return at some point this coming season, it stands to reason that Cabrera may end up being on the outside looking in when it comes time for Aaron Boone to choose his roster.
While it would be a shame, it's just the unfortunate nature of the business.
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