Report: Yankees May Be Working on a “Trade,” As an Infielder Worth $90 Million Strikes

Third baseman DJ LeMahieu, a four-time Gold Glover, will miss the first few games of the season due to a bone bruise on his right foot, placing him on the injured list.

Because of this, the team’s limited supply of reserve infielders may now become a problem, forcing them to look to the trade market in order to add more depth.

According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, “(Manager Aaron) Boone stated that Oswaldo Cabrera is his backup SS right now, but Cabrera is also the likely Opening Day 3B.” “It sounds like a trade might be in the works between now and Thursday, which is opening day.”

DJ LeMahieu Will Not Be Playing for the New York Yankees on Opening Day
Entering his fourth season of a $90 million contract with the Yankees, LeMahieu can still hope to return by the home opener in April, but even that is not guaranteed. LeMahieu was expected to bat leadoff.

According to the New York Post, LeMahieu’s three-day IL stint can be backdated by the Yankees, so he might be back in time for the April 5 home opener. “How much progress he makes over the next week will determine that, though.”

If LeMahieu is out, Anthony Rizzo—who is also battling through an injury—could be the first baseman to step in for Cabrera. Furthermore, Oswald Peraza would be the next man up at shortstop and third base after Cabrera, who is most likely to step in at the hot corner, which may be another reason the organization is trying to get some outside assistance.

As he recovers from a subscapularis injury in his shoulder, Oswald Peraza is still more than a month away from beginning a throwing program. If he were well, the conversation would be different, NJ.com reports.

The Yankees have deficiencies all over the infield.

To add infield depth, the New York Yankees may consider a trade or signing a free agent.
Josh Harrison, a two-time former All-Star who became a free agent after choosing to opt out of his contract with the Cincinnati Reds, has been connected to the organization. Over the course of 13 MLB seasons, Harrison has made substantial contributions at second base, third base, and the outfield.

Reunion talks between the Yankees and Detroit Tigers third baseman Giu Urshela have also been mentioned.

Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that “Urshela has attracted interest from the (New York) Mets and New York Yankees, among others, league sources said.”

Hoch said, “Gio Urshela isn’t a lock to win the everyday 3B job for the Tigers.” “Are the Yankees able to make a trade?”

The Yankees may think about calling up some extra support from the minor leagues if they are unable to come to an agreement to acquire some more depth from another team or via the free-agent market.

Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com stated, “Jahmani Jones, Kevin Smith, and Jose Rojas are among the other potential in-house infield candidates to claim an Opening Day roster spot.”

LeMahieu was ruled out, therefore Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said that all possibilities are on the table.

According to Caldera, he stated, “Externally, we’re evaluating all the options.” Potential trades, designations, opt-outs, and other such things are always possible. We’re assessing the area.