MLB Rumors: Yankees Interest in Third Base Upgrade? Matt Chapman’s Addition Could Leave Veteran in the Dark

Hold on to your Yankee caps, Bombers fans, because a defensive dance could be brewing at the stadium. Rumors are swirling that the New York Yankees have their eye on free agent slugger Matt Chapman, potentially throwing a wrench in DJ LeMahieu’s starting third baseman gig. So, what does this mean for DJ?

Now, LeMahieu’s a Bronx legend, but whispers of a “utility role” are starting to mingle with the crack of the bat. Chapman’s a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, a vacuum at the hot corner with an offensive pop that makes Giancarlo Stanton jealous. The prospect of adding him is undeniably juicy—enough to make a Yankee stan wonder what the rotation might look like with him in the lineup.

The Bronx Shuffle: Will Matt Chapman unseat DJ from the Hot Corner?

The whole prospective lineup makes one think of a musical chair: the infield edition. If Matt Chapman joins the Pinstripes according to the team’s intention, which has been revealed by the Fireside Yankees in their recent Twitter (now X) post, LeMahieu might shift to his familiar utility role, plugging holes all over the diamond. This gives the Yankees flexibility based on matchups and injuries but raises questions about DJ’s long-term happiness. It can also turn out to be more of a friendly competition.

The brass may envision Chapman and LeMahieu battling it out for third base. Some friendly fire can light a spark, but is it worth potentially upsetting a clubhouse cornerstone? Plus, competition at one position weakens another—does Gleyber Torres feel the heat? Because with a prospective Chappy going happy in the third, it will not affect a lot of Yankees other than just DJ.

The infield picture is clear, with Matt Chapman tying up third: Anthony Rizzo at first, Anthony Volpe at short, and Torres holding steady at second. No matter which scenario plays out, it can be said for certain that the Bronx is about to get a whole lot more interesting.

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Chapman’s addition would bolster the defense, ignite the lineup, and force some tough decisions. Are the Yankees willing to shuffle the deck for a potential World Series run? And the biggest unknown? DJ LeMahieu’s comfort level with dusting off his utility glove.

Will LeMahieu slide or stick?

The Yankees’ third base carousel is spinning again, despite DJ LeMahieu’s presence. His offensive dip last year raises concerns, but a post-All-Star surge hints at a possible bounce-back, according to The Empire Sports Media.

Matt Chapman would definitely upgrade the glove, but where does that leave DJ other than a probable utility role redux? Meanwhile, manager Aaron Boone wants DJ to lead off, per the reports by CBS Sports! Can he handle both lead-off duties and a potential position shift?

Read More: Amidst Aaron Boone’s Lead-off Dilemma, Mystery Name Emerges as Top Candidate

Shifting third base options also opens up playing time for prospect Oswald Peraza and potentially solves the leadoff question. Will the Yankees stick with DJ at third, give Peraza a chance to play around with his versatility, or chase Chapman’s defensive wizardry? The Bronx hot corner saga continues.