Players like Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza get most of the headlines among minor league players in the New York Yankees farm system. However, one rising star is producing incredible numbers with AAA Scranton this season over 46 games.
Infielder Oswaldo Cabrera might be even more impressive right now than Peraza, who had unbelievable months in June and July.
The Yankees have something special in Oswaldo Cabrera:
The 23-year-old Venezuelan native is a switch hitter who primarily features at second base. Over 203 plate appearances this season with Scranton, he’s hitting .264 with eight homers, 29 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. He’s posted 47 hits with 54 strikeouts.
Despite his switch-hitting designation, Cabrera is a far more proficient batter from the left side. He’s been elite against right-handed pitchers as a lefty batter.
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In 130 at-bats, he’s hitting .285 with a 38% on-base rate, seven homers, and 25 RBIs. During July, he hit .303 with a 40% on-base rate, seven homers, and 17 RBIs. To start August, he’s hitting .400 with a 45.7% on-base rate, .600 slugging percentage, one homer, and nine RBIs. In fact, he recorded a homer and two triples on Sunday against the Worcester Red Sox.
MLB Pipeline likes him at second base and references his massive upswing in production as a lefty batter:
A switch-hitter, Cabrera returned from the 2020 pandemic layoff with more strength and more pronounced loft in his swing. His power surge only came from the left side, where he batted .290/.350/.612 compared to .227/.277/.333 as a righty. He’s using his legs more at the plate and has taken a more aggressive approach without sacrificing much in the way of contact, though he’s a fringy hitter at best.
Cabrera’s added muscle cost him some quickness, though he’s still an aggressive runner who makes the most of his fringy to average speed on the bases. His quick hands, solid arm and finely-tuned internal clock help him make plays in the field, though his range is a bit stretched at shortstop. He saw more action at second and third base in each of his last two seasons, and he’s a solid defender at both spots.
Could Boone call up Cabrera if DJ LeMahieu misses any time?
Manager Aaron Boone indicated that DJ LeMahieu would be undergoing testing on his foot this week after skipping out on Sunday’s loss to the Boston Red Sox. That means the Yankees may have to find a supplement on the roster if they place DJ on the ten-day injured list. They could call upon Cabrera or Peraza, but the more likely scenario is they look in the direction of Tyler Wade.
Nonetheless, the Yankees have several premium infielders climbing the system at an expedited pace. Cabrera could make his MLB debut next season, enjoying a full year with Scranton before making the leap.