MLB Rumors: Yankees Pushing Hard For Infield Upgrade

The New York Yankees are running out of time to solve their third base problem — and the list of serious targets is beginning to narrow.

Following the release of DJ LeMahieu on July 9, the Yankees made it clear they were ready to move in a different direction. LeMahieu’s once-steady glove had become a liability, with manager Aaron Boone admitting it had become challenging for the 36-year-old to handle third and that his declining range had impacted his ability to contribute at second.

Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Eugenio Suárez has emerged as the most logical fit. The 33-year-old slugger is putting together one of the best seasons of his career, with 31 home runs and a National League-leading 78 RBI. He’s also under contract a manageable $15 million before hitting free agency this winter.

Colorado Rockies infielder Ryan McMahon and Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes are also firmly on New York’s radar, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

McMahon is considered readily available, while Hayes might take more to pry away, but both are viable secondary options. The Yankees are not believed to be pursuing St. Louis Cardinals veteran Nolan Arenado, who at age 34 is owed $42 million the next two seasons.

If Suárez, McMahon or Hayes are not attainable, the Yankees may shift to fallback plans like Jonathan India — assuming the Kansas City Royals become sellers — or explore a reunion with Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo has also surfaced as a name of interest. While those three may not carry the same impact, each would offer a notable upgrade over Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, who have rotated at third in the wake of LeMahieu’s departure.

The pressure is on for Cashman to make a move. With the deadline looming and a roster built to win now, the Yankees cannot afford to leave third base unsolved.