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The top Third Basemen the Yankees Should Target at the Trade Deadline. Read Ranking the Top Third Basemen the Yankees Should Target at the Trade Deadline
Ranking the Top Third Basemen the Yankees Should Target at the Trade Deadline
With DJ LeMahieu being designated for assignment and Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting to second base, the Yankees have a glaring need at the hot corner. The Yankees have already had preliminary discussions with several teams, suggesting they will be one of the most active teams at the deadline. Which third basemen should the Yankees target? Let’s dive in!
Ramon Urias, Baltimore Orioles
Ramon Urias has been a reliable utility infielder during his time in Baltimore. However, the 31-year-old has shown little to no offensive upside, which is why he holds the bottom spot on this list. This season, Urias has posted a .246/.298/.366 slash line with just six home runs and two stolen bases through 66 games. Under the hood, he has generated a low .299 xwOBA, which is well below the average marks of qualified hitters.
Gio Urshela, Athletics
The Yankees could look to reunite with familiar friend Gio Urshela at this season’s trade deadline. Urshela spent three seasons in the Bronx and enjoyed his most productive campaigns with the Yankees. During the 2019 season, he tallied an impressive 34 doubles with a .314/.355/.534 line. This season, Urshela has held a modest .231/.291/.333 line but carries a solid .274 xBA, suggesting a positive regression could be on the way.
Ke'Bryan Hayes, Pittsburgh Pirates
While Ke’Bryan Hayes is not the most productive hitter, he will be one of the best defenders available at the deadline. The 28-year-old sits in the 99th percentile in Range on Baseball Savant and has a 97th percentile Fielding Run Value. However, in the batter’s box, Hayes holds a below-average .286 xwOBA with a .246 xBA and a .357 xSLG.
Ryan McMahon, Colorado Rockies
Ryan McMahon has been linked to several teams this season. The 30-year-old is having a bit of a down season, but has shown high power upside several times throughout his career. Last season, McMahon posted his fourth-straight 20-home run campaign as he launched 20 long balls while holding a .242/.325/.397 line. While he has posted a modest .208 AVG with just 12 round-trippers this season, his elite 93.5 mph average exit velocity suggests a change of scenery could benefit him well. His left-handed swing should play very well at Yankee Stadium.
Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals
The Yankees were linked to Nolan Arenado throughout the winter but were unable to strike a deal. However, with the Cardinals potentially looking to sell at the deadline, both sides could finally come to an agreement in the coming weeks. Arenado has posted a .245/.305/.389 line with 10 long balls through 83 games this season. However, since June 3, Arenado has begun to turn the corner, holding a .278/.316/.417 line.
Eugenio Suarez, Arizona Diamondbacks
Without a doubt, the top option the Yankees should target is Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Suarez has been one of the best power hitters in the game this season and plays for a Diamondbacks team that is quickly falling out of playoff contention. Through 92 games this season, Suarez has launched 29 long balls (second in the NL) and added 75 RBI. He would provide a much-needed spark to the heart of the Yankee lineup and make them one of the top favorites in the American League.
