Fansided

Predicting the New York Yankees starting infield for 2021

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 19: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on August 19, 2020 in New York City. The Rays defeated the Yankees 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 19: Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees in action against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on August 19, 2020 in New York City. The Rays defeated the Yankees 4-2. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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DJ LeMahieu, New York Yankees
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 04: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees in position during game two of a doubleheader baseball game against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 4, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

First base-D.J. LeMahieu

The Yankees could easily bring back Luke Voit to reprise his starting role at first base, but the need to shuffle some other infielders puts his spot in serious jeopardy. If LeMahieu does come back, he could easily find himself playing every day at Voit’s position.

One clear downside to moving LeMahieu to first is that it would reduce the amount of defensive value he can provide the Yankees. His Gold Glove work at second base is more valuable than anything he can provide at first.

The fact that he would give New York a significant defensive upgrade over Voit at first should not be overlooked. The challenge for Cashman is to maximize the defensive quality of his entire infield. Moving LeMahieu to first gives him a chance to dramatically improve what was a real problem area for the Yankees last season.

It must be acknowledged that the Yankees would likely move Luke Voit in a trade in this scenario. They’d miss his power bat in the lineup, but there isn’t room for him to get enough at-bats as a DH to keep him on the roster. Flipping him for a high-quality arm could be the right play for Cashman and his front office this offseason. That would represent selling high on Voit as an asset.

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