After a 50-23 start to the 2024 season, the New York Yankees have gone just 6-17 in their last 23 games with their weaknesses having been exposed. What matters now is what they do to upgrade.
Third base has been a consistent issue for New York. A 2020 AL MVP candidate, DJ Lemahieu returned from a foot injury late in May to take over the starting job at the hot corner but has struggled. The 35-year-old has a paltry .529 OPS and zero home runs. Generally, an OPS of about .750 is close to league average.
The Yankees also have Oswaldo Cabrera at third, but he is hitting just .237 with five home runs. Both third basemen have failed to provide a spark at the position either offensively or defensively. This could mean it is time for the Yankees to look outside of the organization for help as they gear for a playoff run.
One possible trade candidate is Ryan McMahon, third baseman for the Colorado Rockies. With a solid .805 OPS and an NL-leading 2.6 defensive WAR, he would be a major pickup for New York. He is also under contract through 2027 after signing a six-year, $70 million contract extension in 2022. The Rockies are well out of contention and could be looking to acquire a crop of young talent, so the 29-year-old could be on the move.
Another position of need is second base, where Gleyber Torres has struggled mightily. The 27-year-old impending free agent has hit just .223 with eight home runs. He has been below average defensively, leaving second base a position that New York may look to upgrade at.
One target at the position is a player who currently starts in center field in Miami, Jazz Chisholm Jr. He played second base for his first three seasons in the pros before transitioning to center field after the arrival of Luis Arraez. The versatile 26-year-old could fill the hole at second base while also providing outfield help, something the Yankees could also use. There have been questions about Chisholm’s fit in Miami for years now, so a move could make sense for both sides.
Pitching-wise, the Yankees could use both bullpen and starting pitching help. Their starters were among the best in the league to start the year but have faltered immensely of late. Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil have had real struggles while Carlos Rodón has lost a whopping five straight starts. Reigning Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole has returned from an elbow injury and has been unable to anchor the rotation thus far. He boasts a 6.75 ERA through four starts.
Right-hander Jack Flaherty is an option for New York if they choose to pursue starters. The 28-year-old impending free agent has had a resurgent season in his first year with the Detroit Tigers, posting a solid 3.24 ERA with 115 strikeouts. Flaherty could be exactly the stabilizing presence New York is looking for near the back end of their rotation.
Bullpen-wise, there is an abundance of trade candidates. Marlins closer Tanner Scott is almost a surefire trade piece and could intrigue New York. The 29-year-old has a 1.42 ERA with 13 saves for a dismal Marlins team. He probably wouldn’t close regularly in New York with All-Star Clay Holmes being in the picture, but he could be a great setup man in the Bronx.
The Yankees are limping to the All-Star break with some serious holes on their roster. With the trade deadline approaching on July 30, it will be interesting to see what moves the front office decides to make as they aim for a deep playoff run.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.
