Yankees named ‘wildest’ trade landing spot for Giants’ 3X All-Star infielder originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Yankees have emerged as one of the favorites to win this year’s American League pennant, even without Aaron Judge for an extended period of time.
It might take a few trade deadline moves to get there, however. Adding a right-handed hitting catcher and bullpen arms should be the main focus.
But you have to wonder how the Yankees will approach their infield situation. At third base, Ryan McMahon has increased his offensive production in recent weeks. But he enters Wednesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox with a .625 OPS.
Not many clubs with World Series aspirations could hide a weak spot similar to that in a postseason lineup. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposes that the Yankees could be a landing spot for an infielder from the San Francisco Giants to fix this issue.
Hint: it’s not Matt Chapman.
“But [Jazz] Chisholm can also play third base, where Ryan McMahon has the team swimming in replacement-level waters,” Rymer wrote. “If a different third baseman isn’t forthcoming, trading for [Luis] Arraez and moving Chisholm to third might be New York’s best play.”
Obviously, Arraez and McMahon have completely different offensive profiles. McMahon strikes out in over 30% of his at-bats, and Arraez just 4.2%.
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Arraez’s defense at second base is much improved, but Chisholm would have to make the most significant adjustment if this trade went through. He would say he’s willing to switch positions to help the club, but the truth is, he’s more comfortable at second.
Like Chisholm, Arraez is a free agent at season’s end. But he would offer the Yankees a true leadoff hitter who can get on base in front of sluggers Judge and Ben Rice. Giancarlo Stanton as well, assuming he’s healthy.
