The New York Yankees need to fill multiple roster holes in the wake of missing out on Juan Soto in free agency. They need to add a first baseman, another infielder, an outfielder, and a lot of arms to the pitching staff.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. can play second base or third base, so the Yankees have the flexibility to add either a second baseman or third baseman to replace a departing infielder.
Fansided’s Jacob Mountz recently urged the Yankees to swing a huge trade with a hated division rival. Mountz recommends a trade for Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Lowe to take Gleyber Torres’ spot at second base.
“But when healthy in 2021, Lowe mashed 39 home runs. The math here is rather simple: 39 home runs + left-handed pull-side power hitter + short-right porch = happiness,” Mountz wrote. “Lowe is due $10.5 million next season and comes with a $11.5 million club option for 2026. As one of the Rays top earning players, he will most likely be traded before the start of the season. And with his injuries, the asking price shouldn’t be exorbitant.”
The Rays’ second baseman is projected to sign an $80 million deal when he hits free agency after the 2026 season, per Spotrac.
There are many more third basemen available than second basemen. The Yankees are much more likely to sign Alex Bregman or swing a trade for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado than they are to trade for Lowe.
It’s unlikely that Tampa Bay would want to help a division rival out like this. The Yankees would also be better off playing Chisholm at second base and finding a third baseman.