The New York Yankees have kicked off their regular season with back-to-back victories against the Houston Astros, thanks in large part to the stellar performance of superstar hitter Juan Soto. While Soto’s impact has been undeniable, another player quietly making waves is Oswaldo Cabrera, the Yankees’ versatile utility player who initially struggled to make the roster following a disappointing spring training.
Despite his lackluster spring stats of .213/.302/.362 with two home runs and three RBIs across 20 games, Cabrera has been a standout performer early in the season, providing crucial contributions from the lower end of the batting order.
In the season opener, Cabrera’s two hits, two runs, and a game-tying homer in the sixth inning played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ 5-4 victory. His impact was even more pronounced in the following game, where he amassed four hits, including a double, and drove in three runs. So far, Cabrera boasts an impressive 431 wRC+, along with a .667 batting average and .667 OBP, making him arguably the team’s most valuable offensive player alongside Soto.
Currently filling in for the injured DJ LeMahieu at third base, Cabrera has seized the opportunity to showcase his skills. Although LeMahieu is expected to reclaim his starting role once he recovers from a bruised right foot, Cabrera’s exceptional performance may compel the Yankees to reconsider their lineup dynamics.
Additionally, newly acquired veteran Jon Berti may see action on Sunday, potentially replacing the injured Gleyber Torres, who sustained a hand injury during Friday’s win. Berti, who recorded his highest batting average of .294 last season, could provide an offensive boost if called upon.
Looking ahead, Cabrera’s offensive resurgence comes at an opportune moment for the Yankees, who have already displayed resilience in their ability to come back from deficits early in the season. With Cabrera’s timely contributions and the team’s fighting spirit, the Yankees are poised for continued success as they face off against Houston’s Hunter Brown on Saturday night.
