Yankees Infield Dilemma: Potential Trade Targets
The Yankees seem to be pinning their hopes on Eugenio Suarez as they navigate an infield conundrum.
At the start of the season, there was a glimmer of hope that DJ LeMahieu would bounce back and pair well with Jazz Chisholm Jr. But, as things unfolded, it became clear that wasn’t in the cards. By Thursday, the Yankees took the significant step of releasing LeMahieu, opting to eat the remaining $22 million left on his contract after designating him for assignment the day before.
However, this move didn’t solve their infield issues.
On Thursday, Yorvit Vivas made his third consecutive start at third base in a tight 6-5 win against Seattle. The Yankees seem to be relying heavily on him, although his minor league experience hasn’t proven to be a strong predictor of success in the majors.
So, here the Yankees are, stuck with two less-than-ideal options as they approach the July 31 trade deadline. General Manager Brian Cashman remarked recently, “There’s no time to make a move.” Yet, finding solid infield help in the trade market isn’t looking too promising.
Options that seemed feasible during the offseason slipped away, while major players like Nolan Arenado from the Cardinals and Ryan McMahon from the Rockies loom as potential but costly targets. Alternatives like Suarez—who’s set to hit free agency soon—and the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes are on their radar, though they may not offer much in terms of long-term investment.
Suarez, who turns 34 next week, could become a hot commodity if the Diamondbacks choose to rebuild, as they currently trail the final NL wild card spot by 4.5 games. With an OPS of .883, he stands out among third basemen.
Right now, Cashman is also seeking bullpen support, making it unclear whether they’ll manage to address all their needs effectively. Hayes, known for his defensive skills, is underwhelming at the plate, currently boasting the worst OPS among qualified third basemen. The Yankees are reportedly interested in the 28-year-old, but one wonders if they had hoped for more from him, given his current struggles.
Another name in the mix is Luis Rengifo from the Angels. He has shown flashes of productivity in the last three seasons, but his current year hasn’t been stellar.
On the other hand, both Arenado and McMahon present significant financial commitments that might not fit into what the Yankees want to do moving forward. Vivas, a left-handed hitter, is trying to seize his chance, hoping to make a positive impact after a recent 2-for-2 game despite striking out against Seattle.
Reflecting on his opportunity, Vivas said, “It’s a great opportunity right in front of me.” His minor league stats present a mixed bag, and it’s clear that if the Yankees aim for stronger options, their current roster might not be the solution they are hoping for.
