If the New York Yankees want to find a second baseman this winter, it might require them to make a surprise move. Among the potential players available, Tampa Bay Rays‘ second baseman, Brandon Lowe, could be a sneaky option.
The Yankees have prospects that could interest the Rays, who could be heading deep into a rebuild and trying to cut payroll for more reasons than on-the-field issues.
Peter Brody of SB Nation named him a potential trade target for the Yankees, creating an idea to send the Rays All-Star to the Bronx.
“While a trade between division rivals may initially seem unlikely, the Rays have plenty of motivation to move their second baseman this winter. They have a tendency to trade their higher earners as they approach free agency and/or their age-30 seasons: Isaac Paredes, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell, and Zach Eflin all stand out as notable recent examples.
“With a $10.5 million salary for 2024, Lowe projects as the Rays’ highest earner, clocking in at almost 15-percent of their guaranteed payroll, and additional factors mean the Rays might be even more motivated to shed payroll than in other years,” Brody wrote on December 30.
What Would the Yankees Trade Package Be?
If the New York Yankees were to trade for Lowe, he shouldn’t require them to move a massive haul. He’s set to hit the free agency market after the season, making it possible that he’ll be a one-year rental.
Lowe hit 21 home runs and posted a 121 OPS+ a campaign ago.
The Tampa Bay Rays shouldn’t want to take back any big league players in the deal if they’re looking to shed salary, so the Yankees will have to go the prospect route.