The Yankees and Red Sox rarely make moves in a vacuum - especially when it comes to versatile infielders with upside. So when Boston made waves with the addition of Caleb Durbin, a player the Yankees once had in their system, New York didn’t stay quiet for long. Enter Max Schuemann, a utility man from the Oakland A’s who brings a similar profile to the Bronx - and maybe, just maybe, a little more.
Let’s be clear: Schuemann isn’t being brought in to start on Opening Day. But the Yankees clearly see something in him worth investing in - the kind of controllable, flexible depth piece that can tip the scales in a long season. He’s not a headline-grabber, but he might be exactly the kind of player who helps you win a tight game in July or fills a key role during a playoff push in September.
Schuemann’s game is built on versatility and discipline. He’s not going to light up Statcast with exit velocity or home run power, but what he does bring is rare: elite swing decisions, low strikeout rates, and the ability to play all over the diamond. That’s a valuable combination, especially for a Yankees bench that’s still very much in flux.
Right now, the Yankees’ roster crunch means that only one or two of Schuemann, Jasson Domínguez, and Oswaldo Cabrera are likely to break camp with the big-league club. The rest will either head to Triple-A or find themselves elsewhere. But Schuemann’s minor league options give the Yankees flexibility - and that’s gold in today’s game.
Defensively, Schuemann stands out. He’s got legitimate range, particularly in left field, where his speed and instincts allow him to cover ground effectively.
That’s an area where he separates himself from Durbin, who’s more of a second base fixture for Boston. In fact, Red Sox manager Alex Cora has already made it clear he wants stability in the infield - Durbin at second, with Marcelo Mayer and others handling third.
That means Boston isn’t asking Durbin to be a Swiss Army knife. They want him to lock down one spot and wreak havoc on the bases.
The Yankees, on the other hand, are leaning into Schuemann’s adaptability. He’s not going to be a power bat, but he brings a different flavor to a lineup that could use some offensive diversity.
The Yankees have spent years chasing exit velocity and big swings. Schuemann represents a shift - a player who controls the zone, puts the ball in play, and makes the most of his athleticism.
It’s also worth noting the irony here. Boston improved by acquiring a player the Yankees once gave up - part of a trade for a closer who didn’t pan out in New York.
That stings. But the Yankees didn’t just sit on their hands.
They responded by targeting a player with a similar profile, and in some ways, a broader defensive skill set.
Schuemann isn’t a lock to make an impact. But he’s the kind of player who can thrive in the right situation.
If the Yankees can tap into his strengths - and maybe help him develop just a bit more offensive consistency - they might have something here. A quiet move, sure.
But potentially a savvy one.
Bottom line: Boston may have struck first, but New York answered with a player who fits a need, brings value, and offers upside. And in a rivalry where every edge matters, that’s worth watching.