Several teams around the league will be looking for a third baseman this winter, particularly those hoping to add a reliable defender at the hot corner. The Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are among the teams that could be in the market.
For the Yankees, third base has been a struggle over the last couple of seasons.
“It wasn’t long ago that they had Jazz Chisholm Jr. learn the position on the fly when they acquired him at the 2024 trade deadline. And since then, they’ve acquired Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero over the years to help fill the hot corner, without any of them able to capture it. McMahon has been the biggest disappointment. While his defense has still been above-average, his offensive struggles have helped create the black hole in the bottom part of the Yankees’ lineup,” SNY’s Phillip Martinez wrote.
The Phillies also face uncertainty at third base as they determine what to do with Alec Bohm.
“Even though it was a dreadful start to the season, it was good to see Bohm bounce back as the season progressed. Overall, .249/.315/.383 with 15 home runs and 88 RBI. The numbers certainly improved for the slugger, and he should be seen as a desirable target in free agency. However, whether or not he will be back with the Phillies remains to be seen. This is a team that is trying to get a little bit younger, and handing out another potential long-term deal to a veteran might not be what they want to do,” SI’s Nick Ziegler wrote.
With question marks surrounding all three teams, particularly the Yankees and Phillies, each will need to consider its options. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes the three clubs could enter a bidding war for Japanese superstar Teruaki Sato.
“Some teams believe he can stay at third base; others see him as best suited for first base or left field. Either way, the bat profiles for the middle of the order. I think he stays at third base initially and would be a perfect fit for teams like the Phillies, Red Sox, Angels and Yankees, which leads me to believe this will end up being a big-market bidding war,” Bowden wrote.
If one of these teams can land Sato in free agency, it would be a significant addition. He is coming off a 39-home-run season in which he won the Triple Crown. Sato also has the defensive ability to handle the hot corner, making him an intriguing option for teams looking to improve at third base.
Of the three teams, the Yankees may have the greatest need for Sato. The Phillies and Red Sox could have more flexibility if they miss out on him, but all three clubs could face competition for his services as the offseason unfolds.
