20-05-2025
Yankees rookie Jorbit Vivas may push out former top prospect
With Oswaldo Cabrera likely done for the season after suffering a fractured ankle, the Yankees may be turning the page on another infield experiment. While the Yankees gave Oswald Peraza two starts in the Subway Series games, he didn't make much of the opportunity.
Peraza went 0-for-5 with a walk and committed a costly fielding error. That might be enough to give Vivas a longer look as the lefty side of a platoon, particularly against right-handers.
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So, Yankees' beat writer Pete Caldera of The Bergen Record believes the door is now wide open for 23-year-old Jorbit Vivas to take on a more prominent role — and he's already making the most of his moment.
In Sunday night's finale, Vivas didn't start but came up in a critical late-game situation. He battled Ryne Stanek for 11 pitches and put the ball in play — a routine grounder that turned into the game-winning run when Pete Alonso threw wide of first.
New York Yankees rookie Jorbit Vivas singles against the Mets on May 16, 2025 at Yankee Stadium. © John Jones-Imagn Images
Vivas, a left-handed hitter with a contact-first approach, was a standout in spring training and has quietly earned the respect of teammates. 'I was a huge fan of him in spring training,'' said Cody Bellinger after the Subway Series finale. 'I loved his at-bats. He's a very exciting player. He's got a lot of confidence and he's fun to watch.''
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That kind of plate appearance speaks to the approach the Yankees need right now: patience, contact, and pressure. With DJ LeMahieu still easing back into everyday work and the roster thin on natural third basemen, Vivas could end up filling more than just a temporary role.
Whether he's spelling LeMahieu or stepping into a regular platoon, Jorbit Vivas is no longer just a depth name. He's forcing the conversation — and possibly the lineup card.
Related: Yankees rotation shake-up highlights Aaron Boone's big-picture strategy
Related: Yankees' Jazz Chisholm, Jr. Throws Shade at Juan Soto as Subway Series Starts
