Glove Woes Raise Doubts About Yankees Trade Target

The Yankees’ third base situation is not just a problem — it is a priority.

DJ LeMahieu’s release on July 9 sounded the alarm. New York cut him loose with over $22 million left on his deal, finally admitting what had been clear for weeks: there was no path forward with him at the hot corner. The in-house alternatives are not exactly game-changers. Oswald Peraza has struggled to hit, Jorbit Vivas is still raw and JC Escarra is not ready for this level.

That is why the Yankees are exploring outside options — with limited results.

“They’ve been linked to Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks,” writes Jim Bowden of The Athletic, “but there is concern about his defense.”

Suárez can certainly hit. His .883 OPS leads all qualified third basemen. But if the glove does not hold up, the bat might not matter, especially in October. For a team trying to stay sharp up the middle, adding a minus defender could undo the work they have done realigning their infield around Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Bowden points to Kansas City Royals All-Star Maikel Garcia as a more complete option, noting that “Kansas City would have interest in one of the Yankees’ outfielders to play left field for them.” Garcia would cost more  both in prospect capital and control but he brings a steadier glove and a team-friendly contract.

There is also buzz about a potential swap with the crosstown rival New York Mets.

Bowden floated scenarios involving Mark Vientos or Brett Baty going to the Bronx in exchange for controllable pieces like Jasson Domínguez or Trent Grisham. Those deals would take serious creativity and nerve, but the Yankees might not have the luxury of waiting around.

With the clock ticking and few sellers in play, threading the needle at third base may be one of the hardest trade deadlines of Yankees GM Brian Cashman’s career.