Yankees’ picks: Max Schuemann has reason to dig Derek Jeter, ‘was a shooter, baby! in hoops

February 22, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees added elite infield defense, an outfield option and good speed late into the offseason acquiring Max Schuemann from the Athletics for a rookie league arm.

Schuemann was a Cubs fan as a kid, but also a big fan of a Yankees legend who grew up six miles from his Portage, Mich., hometown, Kalamazoo native son Derek Jeter.

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Schuemann hit just .212 playing 234 games for the A’s in his first two seasons, but he has a little right-handed pop (9 homers, 672 PA) and swiped 21 bags in 23 tries.

His calling card is infield defense and versatility. Last year, he made 20 starts at second base, 11 at third, 11 at shortstop, four in left field and one in center. Before Jacob Wilson had a great rookie season playing short last year, Schuemann was the priority starter in 2024, making 87 starts.

With Oswaldo Cabrera a little behind this spring in his return from May ankle surgery, Schuemann is a candidate to be on the Yankees’ Opening Day roster. Non-roster infielder Paul DeJong and Cabrera also are in contention.

Schuemann, 28, is featured today in NJ.com’s daily spring training “favorites” questionnaire:

Teenage celebrity crush: Megan Fox.

Childhood sports hero: Derek Jeter.

Favorite movie: The Dark Knight.

Favorite musical artist: Michael Jackson.

Best little league memory: My dad coaching me for a couple years. He was a mentor for me.

Favorite zoo animal: Lions.

Favorite non-MLB team: Chicago Bears.

Best sports besides baseball: Basketball. I played through high school. I’m a shooter, baby! I was a spot-up shooter. I hit my couple threes a game.

Favorite road city: Chicago.

Favorite ballparks: Wrigley Field (Chicago) and Petco Park (San Diego).

Toughest pitchers to face: Tarik Skubal and Ryan Walker.

One rule change I’d make if I were commissioner: I’m make the foul lines wider apart so I can get more hits.

Favorite holiday: Christmas.

Favorite cartoon: Tom and Jerry.

Favorite toy as child: Pop-A-Shot mini basketball. It had two hoops, five basketballs and the balls would roll back to you. That was my favorite Christmas gift ever.

Favorite childhood family vacation: Skiing in Colorado at Copper Mountain.

Dream vacation: Hawaii.

Favorite subject in school: Math.

Favorite video game: ARC Raiders.

Favorite meal: Steak, brussels sprouts and some mac and cheese.

Favorite fast-food restaurant: Chipotle.

Favorite candy: Jolly Rancher.

Favorite snack: Pringles potato chips.

Favorite soft drinks: Coke Zero and Mountain Dew.

Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben & Jerry’s Americone Dream.

Food won’t eat: Squash.

Favorite TV station/streaming network: I’m a big fan of Suits and have been watching that on Netflix.