I’ve been thinking about what to write about the Yankee bench as pitchers and catchers report today. I just don’t think there is a lot to say, and of course until spring training is actually over it’s something of a mystery as to who will actually comprise the bench on the 25-man roster. So the best thing to do, I think, is simply to create a small list of potential bench players and give them a little look.

Here they are in no particular order:

  • Oswaldo Cabrera - This is a guy who seems to have a lot of potential, but for some reason he doesn’t seem to be able to completely bust out. Switch-hitter, good glove, not a lot of power. Some speed. Can play all across the diamond, and probably will. I think he will become the Yankee’s super-utility guy and see a lot of playing time, but personally I would love to see him grab the 3B opening. It’s possible, but I don’t think at this point it’s probable.
  • Oswaldo Peraza - He almost took the starting SS position away from Anthony Volpe two seasons ago. He’s probably a better defensive SS than Volpe, but he just doesn’t hit quite enough. Another guy trying to crack the infield roster. If Cabrera can take 3B, Peraza would be the next guy up as the super-utility player, but he doesn’t really have much experience in the OF as Cabrera does. Platooning could be possible depending on who needs rest on any given day.
  • Trent Grisham - he was touted as a first-rate CF when he came over from the Padres, but again, he hasn’t hit. He will serve as the 4th OF and defensive replacement for Jasson Dominguez in close games. I would say there’s also an outside shot he will be trade bait at the deadline.
  • J.C. Escarra - reserve catcher. His career minor league BA is .249. Has never played a major league game. 29 years old. Who knows? Probably Quad-A material. Jesus Rodriguez is the younger catching prospect at 22, but he probably needs a season at Scranton before coming up to the majors.
  • Jorbit Vivas - The Yankees may have to get creative in trying to find playing time for Jorbit. He plays 2B at the moment, but he has more potential power than either Cabrera or Peraza. If neither of those two guys do well, Vivas may get the call sooner rather than later.
  • Giancarlo Stanton - Ah, Giancarlo. He can’t run, he can’t play the field, he is injured often, he goes through dreadful slumps, and then occasionally he will have a spell of hitting that will amaze you. He was terrific in the 2024 playoffs. He’s a completely stand-up guy who never, ever, makes excuses. He is owed $32M this year, $29M next year, and $25M in 2027. The Marlins pay $10M of that each year. You have to play him, which means he clogs up the DH spot every game. You just have to keep your fingers crossed and hope for 35 HR and at least 75 RBIs even to attempt to justify his presence on the team. The classic definition of an albatross contract. He’s 35 years old this year.

That’s it for the preview. Spring training is here, and we begin once again as every team does in the spring - we have a great chance of making the World Series this year. But…do we really? Stay tuned.