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As the offseason gains momentum, the New York Yankees are actively evaluating their options at third base, with Philadelphia Phillies standout Alec Bohm emerging as a potential target. The club's interest in Bohm is aimed at shoring up a position that has been a persistent liability, and the team is seeking a reliable presence at the hot corner to bolster the lineup. While the Yankees' interest is genuine, the extent of their pursuit remains a matter of speculation, according to conflicting reports.
These developments are unfolding against the backdrop of the General Manager meetings in Las Vegas, where executives are navigating a compressed timeline before a potential lockout on December 1. The urgency is palpable, and the Yankees are also reportedly in talks with catcher Carson Kelly, signaling a proactive approach from the front office to address roster needs before the winter freeze.
Fixing the Hot Corner
The Yankees' third-base situation has been a carousel of inconsistency. Ryan McMahon was acquired to handle the position in 2025, but his defensive metrics raised concerns, recording -3 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) last season. The collective performance at third base yielded a .629 OPS, the fifth-worst mark in the league, and the farm system lacks immediate internal solutions. Top prospect Dax Kilby is on the horizon, but the team requires a present-day fix.
Bohm, who has spent his entire career with the Phillies, could provide a solution in a platoon arrangement with McMahon. The right-handed-hitting Bohm would complement the left-handed McMahon, and his offensive profile is appealing: last year, he slugged 15 home runs and drove in 88 runs, with a career batting average of .273 and a .735 OPS. He also makes consistent contact, striking out at a rate well below league average. According to MLB.com, Bohm excelled against left-handed pitching with an .853 OPS. However, his defense has been a mixed bag; he posted a career-worst Fielding Run Value of -9 in 2026, indicating room for improvement with the glove.
The Skubal Market
While the Yankees assess their infield options, the market for ace pitcher Tarik Skubal is heating up. Skubal's agent, Scott Boras, told reporters that the demand for his client is robust, noting that teams are well aware there is only one Tarik Skubal available. Skubal's 2026 statistics were stellar, featuring a 2.72 ERA and 186 strikeouts. Boras characterized the offseason as initially bearish but now sees a powerful and dominant market for the left-hander. This indicates that clubs are willing to pay a premium for top-tier pitching, and the Yankees, who are in dire need of an ace to front their rotation, could be a suitor before any lockout halts transactions.
Conflicting Reports on Interest
The Yankees' interest in Bohm was first reported by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, but other sources suggest the club has not shown significant interest to this point. The team has not officially confirmed any deep talks or a deal, and one source indicated that the Yankees are simply exploring possibilities. The hot corner is expected to become a priority as the offseason progresses, and the Yankees must decide whether to make a splash or bide their time. Brendan Kuty suggests the club might display interest at a later juncture.
General Manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the need for improvement across multiple areas. He told reporters on Tuesday, "He's signed through next year for us, but I definitely know we need to improve production in a lot of different spots on the club if we can." The team will remain open to deals if the right fit arises. The 2026-27 MLB offseason, though uncertain, is fully underway, with a lockout expected to begin on December 1. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are shopping outfielder Jarren Duran and have shown interest in free agent Seiya Suzuki, underscoring that the market for top talent remains active despite the looming work stoppage. According to CBS Sports, no Winter Meetings might occur this offseason.
Originally reported by yahoo.