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The New York Yankees went into the season with DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera expected to platoon at third base. However, LeMahieu suffered an injury in spring training and has yet to play this year.
Meanwhile, Cabrera is hitting .291 with a .718 OPS. As of right now, he is playing fine at third base, but last season, he also had a strong start, then regressed. SNY’s MLB insider Andy Martino revealed the Yankees are not necessarily prioritizing a third baseman at the trade deadline, but rather a reliable right-handed bat.
“Ever since spring training, the Yankees’ top trade priority has been a right-handed bat more so than a third baseman per see,” wrote Martino. “The idea is to give Boone a better option than Pablo Reyes and Oswald Peraza against tough lefty relievers. The Yankees made a move in that direction on Thursday, though not a trade, by claiming righty-hitting outfielder Bryan De La Cruz off of waivers from Atlanta. The club optioned De La Cruz to Triple-A, but he is now on the 40-man roster and available to possibly be that guy. The team will surely keep looking.”
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As the Yankees keep exploring the trade market, Nolan Arenado’s name is sure to come up. He was a hot name during the winter, and many rumors linked him to the Yankees, but ultimately was not traded. He fits the Yankees’ need for a right-handed bat, but the team has not shown any interest in him.
“As for Arenado, the next time that the Yankees are interested will be the first time,” wrote Martino.
Arenado signed a $260 million deal in 2019 and is under contract through 2027. He is playing well, but the Yankees likely do not want to commit financially to an aging player.