The Yankees could have a problematic situation at third base in 2020

New York Yankees, Gio Urshela
Apr 7, 2019; Baltimore, MD, USA; New York Yankees third baseman Gio Urshela (29) throws to first base during the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In 2018, Gio Urshela boasted a .233 batting average with a .608 OPS, thrusting his value downwards, in the opposite direction he would end up going in 2019, after joining the New York Yankees. Urshela emerged as one of the Yankees’ saving graces last season, logging a .314 BA with 21 homers and 74 RBIs, all career-highs for the former Toronto Blue Jay.

Credit the hitting coaches for the Yankees and their progressive mentality, focusing on launch angle and superior analytics. With only one good year under his belt, though, it’s challenging to justify expected success from the 28-year-old. At the third base position, the Yankees don’t have much defensive depth, as Miguel Andujar is expected to slot in behind Urshela. However, Gio has always been a quality defensive player. It’s his offense that has been in flux over the past few years.

If Urshela’s offensive production falls off in 2020, can they remain confident in starting him? The Yankees may play the hot hand at any given time between Gio and Andujar, who will be returning from a torn Labrum. His defense is the one significant deficiencies holding him back, which has brewed optimism he could be traded before the start of the regular season. Although, I believe keeping him on the roster and allowing him to log one more year of offensive efficiency would help increase his value tremendously. Theoretically, GM Brian Cashman could give him a substantial sample size of at-bats and ship him at the trade deadline to compensate for any given weakness at the time.

The Yankees aren’t ready to give up on Andujar:

Cashman has expressed his confidence in Urshela, stating that it’s essential his job to lose on the hot corner. His defense is far better than Andujar’s, creating a bit of a puzzle at the position regarding playing time. However, he also communicated his desire to get Andujar’s bat in the lineup, who laced 47 doubles and 27 homers in 2018. Getting him back to form is a priority for the Bombers, who could use him in a designated hitter role with confidence.

At this point in the progression at third base, Urshela has earned the right to get the first crack at being the consistent starter. Andujar must be factored into the strategy if he’s not traded, but his potential makes this a reasonable plan.