All articles tagged with #third base
Milwaukee’s third-base situation is up in the air after trading Caleb Durbin, with Sal Frelick as the lone returning third-baseman and several infielders in the mix. The leading spring-training contenders are Jett Williams, David Hamilton, and Joey Ortiz, while longshots Eddys Leonard and Brock Wilken and an external option like Isaac Paredes could influence the opening-day plan.
The Pirates signed Marcell Ozuna to a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027, boosting their offense as they push to upgrade at third base and add a left-handed starter. Ozuna’s move to DH could dampen talk of a McCutchen reunion and likely ends Pittsburgh’s pursuit of Isaac Paredes, who’s owed $9.35M in 2026. With Ozuna in the fold, Pittsburgh’s 2026 payroll sits around $105M, a potential franchise Opening Day record, underscoring a busy but careful off-season as they balance short-term needs with payroll limits.
Boston landed Caleb Durbin from Milwaukee in a six-player deal that sent left-handers Kyle Harrison and Shane Drohan, and infielder David Hamilton to the Brewers, with Milwaukee also receiving Andruw Monasterio, Anthony Seigler and a competitive balance round B pick in July. Durbin, 26, who can play third or second, batted .256/.334 with 11 homers and 18 steals in 136 games last season and could fill Boston’s third-base opening after Alex Bregman left in free agency.
New York Mets sign Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract with two opt-outs and a $5 million buyout, adding a right-handed bat with a career line of .294/.337/.469 and a standout 2025 (.311/.357/.483, 18 HR, 94 RBI, 4 SB; 134 WRC+). He’ll move to third base—a position he’s rarely played—despite questions about his arm and range, with coaching support expected to help him fit. Bichette’s elite contact, hard-hit rate, and strong performance with runners in scoring position (.330/.337/.480) should bolster a Mets lineup that already features Soto and Polanco, addressing late-inning and RISP gaps from 2025. The signing follows a market pivot after missing out on Kyle Tucker and signals a roster-building focus on depth, energy, and potential untapped power.
The New York Mets agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract with Bo Bichette, moving him from shortstop to third base, after missing out on Kyle Tucker. The deal, pending a physical and featuring opt-outs after years 1 and 2 with no deferrals, follows Bichette’s solid 2025 season (.311, 3.5 WAR). The move could reshuffle the Mets’ infield, with Brett Baty potentially seeing more time in left field as Bichette joins a division rival after the Phillies were also in the mix.
The New York Mets agreed to sign Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract that includes opt-outs after the first and second seasons and a $5 million incentive if he exercises an opt-out. The deal carries full no-trade protection and no deferred money, pending a physical. Bichette is expected to play third base and is one of the top free-agent bats on the market, a pivot after losing out on Kyle Tucker, with an annual value of $42 million (one of the highest in MLB history) that could influence the Mets’ infield setup and payroll for the near term.
Alex Bregman has opted out of his contract with the Red Sox to return to free agency, after a strong season that boosted his market value despite injury concerns and his age. He is the top third baseman available this offseason, with interest from multiple teams, including the Tigers and Cubs.
Carlos Correa, after playing over 1,193 games at shortstop, made his first career start at third base with the Twins, a position he had contemplated switching to for years, but primarily remained at shortstop during his tenure. The Twins considered moving him after this season due to defensive decline, but decided against it to avoid disrupting his six-year contract. The team is also adjusting its roster with new players and managing injuries, with some prospects nearing returns.
The New York Yankees made key roster upgrades by activating reliever Yerry De Los Santos and acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon, aiming to strengthen their bullpen and infield for a postseason push.
The Yankees acquired Ryan McMahon from the Rockies to address their third base needs, trading prospects Griffin Herring and Josh Grosz. McMahon, a proven defender and 2024 All-Star, provides a solid option at third despite modest offensive stats this season. The move aims to strengthen the Yankees' roster for a playoff push, with potential for further trades focusing on pitching.
The Mets celebrated David Wright's retirement by retiring his number, but the team still struggles to find a consistent and effective third baseman, reminiscent of their past revolving door at the position.
The Yankees are shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base to improve their defensive alignment, while Oswald Peraza will play third base. The team is also exploring trade options for third baseman help ahead of the July 31 deadline, with potential targets including Ryan McMahon, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Eugenio Suárez. The situation remains fluid, with the team considering various infield configurations and acquisitions.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. is set to begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset, primarily playing third base, which may be his position upon returning from injury, allowing DJ LeMahieu to remain at second base. The Yankees are evaluating his future position as they deal with injuries to their infield, with manager Aaron Boone keeping options open. Chisholm has shown flexibility and team-oriented attitude during his recovery.
The Seattle Mariners face uncertainty at third base for the 2025 season after trading Eugenio Suarez to the Arizona Diamondbacks to create payroll flexibility. Despite Suarez's strong performance with the Diamondbacks, the Mariners struggled with a platoon of utility infielders at third base in 2024. With limited options in free agency and budget constraints, the Mariners may continue with a platoon of Josh Rojas and Dylan Moore, as acquiring a consistent everyday third baseman would likely require a trade.
Washington Nationals third baseman Nick Senzel suffered a fractured thumb just before the team's Opening Day game, leading to a long-term issue for the team. As a short-term fix, 23-year-old Trey Lipscomb will be called up from Class AAA Rochester to fill in at third base. The injury creates a significant challenge for the Nationals, as they have limited experienced options in the infield and will rely on Lipscomb until Senzel returns.