Oswaldo Cabrera’s Comeback Trail: Can the Yankees’ Energizer Find His Role in 2026?
While most of the offseason buzz around the Yankees has focused on finding a right-handed bat to balance the lineup, one name that’s quietly been left out of the conversation is Oswaldo Cabrera. And that’s a bit surprising, considering the energy he brings to the clubhouse and the field - not to mention the fact that, before a brutal ankle injury derailed his 2025 season, he was penciled in as the Opening Day third baseman.
Cabrera’s injury - a left ankle fracture suffered early last May - ended what was shaping up to be a breakout campaign. It was a tough blow for both the player and the team. Cabrera had been one of the few Yankees who brought consistent fire and versatility to the roster, and his absence left a noticeable void.
Now, though, Cabrera is expected to be ready for spring training - and this time, the Yankees may finally be able to use him the way they always envisioned: as a true super-utility player.
That flexibility matters. With Ryan McMahon likely to get the bulk of the work at third and Jose Caballero holding things down at shortstop until Anthony Volpe returns, Cabrera gives the Yankees a valuable platoon option on the infield. Add in his ability to play both corner outfield spots, and suddenly, the urgency to add another outfielder doesn’t feel quite as pressing.
But here’s where things get complicated: Cabrera, a switch-hitter, has always been more productive from the left side. His career numbers against left-handed pitching - a .213 average and .569 OPS over 190 plate appearances - don’t exactly inspire confidence.
That said, it’s a relatively small sample size, and there were signs last year that he might’ve turned a corner. Before the injury, he was 6-for-19 against southpaws - all singles, but still a .316 average.
Maybe something clicked last offseason. Maybe he was ready to take on a bigger role against lefties.
Still, the Yankees’ continued hunt for a right-handed bat suggests they’re not entirely sold. And while much of the conversation has centered on whether Jasson Dominguez could lose playing time if another bat is brought in, Cabrera might be the one whose role is most at risk.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently noted that the Yankees “love [Cabrera’s] versatility and makeup.” They also appreciate that he still has minor league options - meaning he could be sent to Triple-A without being exposed to waivers. That’s a practical roster consideration, but for a player who’s been a serviceable big-league contributor since 2022 and is about to turn 27, it’s a bit of a gut punch.
There’s a version of this story where Cabrera doesn’t make the Opening Day roster. In that scenario, he could become a trade chip or even a DFA candidate - a fate that’s befallen more than a few former Yankees prospects in recent years, especially those who’ve battled injuries or struggled to find a consistent role.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Cabrera, it’s that you can’t count him out. His energy, his work ethic, and his ability to play just about anywhere on the diamond make him the kind of player teams love to have in their back pocket. If he’s healthy - and if he gets the opportunity - there’s every reason to believe he can be a meaningful contributor in 2026.
The Yankees have tough roster decisions ahead, but Cabrera’s story isn’t finished yet. He’s still got a chance to be more than just a utility guy - he could be the spark plug this team didn’t know it still needed.