4 Top Third Base Trade Targets After Yankees Shift Jazz Chisholm
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Eugenio Suarez – The Power Bat Option
If the Yankees want a slugger, Eugenio Suarez is their guy. The 34-year-old has 29 home runs and 75 RBI, placing him among MLB’s leaders in both categories. He’s been one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball since 2018 and could give the Yankees a jolt of middle-of-the-order production.
Arizona is still technically in the race, but with a depleted roster and Suarez hitting free agency this winter, it’s likely they’ll listen to offers. He’d be a splashy acquisition — and one the Yankees may need to consider if they want to keep pace in the AL.
The post Yankees Moving Jazz to Second Opens the Door For a Big Trade appeared first on Just Baseball.
Yankees' Roster Moves
On Tuesday, the New York Yankees finally made a move that felt inevitable: shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base — a change that’s been months in the making.
Despite underwhelming defensive numbers at third and his own preference for playing second, Chisholm had remained the Yankees' everyday third baseman. But following a rough stretch that saw New York fall out of first place in the AL East — partly due to the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays, partly due to their own slump — the team finally hit the reset button.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Wednesday that Chisholm will move to second base permanently, opening the door for Oswald Peraza to take over at third. Then, on Thursday, came the biggest ripple effect yet: DJ LeMahieu has been designated for assignment after six and a half seasons with the club.
The veteran infielder still has about $22 million remaining on his deal through 2026. But injuries and declining defense made it clear — the Yankees no longer saw him as part of the solution.
With that, who will the Yankees target at the MLB Trade Deadline?
Ke’Bryan Hayes – Defense First, Offense TBD
Ke'Bryan Hayes is one of the best defenders in the game — already posting 12 DRS and 13 OAA at third base this season. But his bat has lagged behind. After revamping his swing to manage a chronic back issue, he’s hit just .241 with 2 home runs and a 63 wRC+ over 86 games.
Still, with a team-friendly contract through 2028 and the Pirates well out of contention, he’s a plausible trade target. The Yankees could bet on unlocking more at the plate while immediately upgrading their infield defense.
Ryan McMahon – Reliable Glove, Some Pop
Ryan McMahon is another strong defender with more offensive upside than Hayes. He’s a consistent 20-homer hitter and under control through 2027. This year, he’s added 3 DRS and 3 OAA at third and hit well early on — including a .283 average and .889 OPS in May.
The Rockies have traditionally held onto players too long, but reports suggest they’re finally open for business. McMahon would be a sensible, mid-range upgrade.
Yoan Moncada – Short-Term Upside
Now with the Angels on a one-year deal, Yoan Moncada has looked solid when healthy: 6 home runs, 19 RBI, and a 120 wRC+ in 32 games. His OPS (.799) is the highest it’s been since 2019, and he brings switch-hitting versatility.
He’s not formally linked to the Yankees yet, but as a rental with a modest trade cost, he’s a low-risk option that could appeal to Cashman if bigger deals don’t materialize.
Eugenio Suarez – The Power Bat Option
If the Yankees want a slugger, Eugenio Suarez is their guy. The 34-year-old has 29 home runs and 75 RBI, placing him among MLB’s leaders in both categories. He’s been one of the most consistent power hitters in baseball since 2018 and could give the Yankees a jolt of middle-of-the-order production.
Arizona is still technically in the race, but with a depleted roster and Suarez hitting free agency this winter, it’s likely they’ll listen to offers. He’d be a splashy acquisition — and one the Yankees may need to consider if they want to keep pace in the AL.
The post Yankees Moving Jazz to Second Opens the Door For a Big Trade appeared first on Just Baseball.
Yankees' Roster Moves
On Tuesday, the New York Yankees finally made a move that felt inevitable: shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base — a change that’s been months in the making.
Despite underwhelming defensive numbers at third and his own preference for playing second, Chisholm had remained the Yankees' everyday third baseman. But following a rough stretch that saw New York fall out of first place in the AL East — partly due to the red-hot Toronto Blue Jays, partly due to their own slump — the team finally hit the reset button.
Manager Aaron Boone confirmed on Wednesday that Chisholm will move to second base permanently, opening the door for Oswald Peraza to take over at third. Then, on Thursday, came the biggest ripple effect yet: DJ LeMahieu has been designated for assignment after six and a half seasons with the club.
The veteran infielder still has about $22 million remaining on his deal through 2026. But injuries and declining defense made it clear — the Yankees no longer saw him as part of the solution.
With that, who will the Yankees target at the MLB Trade Deadline?
