Yankees Could Have Non-Anthony Volpe Internal Option to Play Second Base

The New York Yankees couldn’t be too worried about what they'll do with positions in 2027, as they were in the postseason facing the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS. 

However, now that the postseason has ended, the Yankees will have a lot to consider. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a very good player in his own right, but there are many concerns about bringing him back to the Yankees. 

The Yankees have to ensure they put themselves in a good position payroll-wise, and giving Chisholm as much money as he's likely looking for doesn't help. While the Yankees can definitely spend more money, that doesn't mean they should hand out contracts they don't want to.

If the Yankees want to move on from Chisholm, a few obvious candidates could take over at second base. 

Youngster Anthony Volpe would be at the top of that list, though it remains uncertain what the Yankees want to do with him, too. Volpe was great in the postseason and deserves a lot of credit.

As for other guys who could fit nicely with what the Yankees are trying to do, perhaps a guy like Luis Garcia could move back to second. Garcia has some experience playing up the middle throughout his Major League Baseball career, despite playing first base in New York.

Still only 26 years old, Garcia was recently floated as a potential option.

“The Nationals moved García to first base this year, which worked out well. He has 2 DRS, 3 OAA and 2 FRV so far at his new position. At the plate, he has had the best season of his career. Whether the defensive switch helped him focus on his hitting is something that could be debated but the end result was García hitting 30 home runs, almost doubling his previous high of 18. He slashed .277/.309/.521 for a 124 wRC+. In previous seasons, he only once had a wRC+ above 95, posting a 108 in 2024.

“García can be retained for one more year via arbitration. Given his offensive performance, it would make sense for the Yanks to bring him back. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects García for a salary of $11MM next year,” Darragh McDonald of MLBTR wrote.

Garcia isn't the typical middle infielder's size, but he can swing it with the best of them offensively, and he needs to be in the Yankees' lineup day in and day out. 

He's one of the better trade deadline additions the Yankees have made in quite some time, and if they want to get creative at first base next season, this lets them do so.

It's not a big deal right now, but it could make sense for the Yankees over the next year.