Matt Higgins
It’s been a merry-go-round at third base for the New York Yankees this season. They’ve cycled through Jazz Chisholm Jr., Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, Jorbit Vivas and J.C. Escarra. But with the Yankees designating DJ LeMahieu for assignment and moving Chisholm back to his natural position at second base, New York will be hunting to fill the hot corner at the trade deadline.
The question is: who will they target once July 31 rolls around?
Yankees third basemen have struggled offensively despite Chisholm making the All-Star team while splitting time between second and third before LeMahieu’s DFA. They rank 18th in baseball in OPS (.670) and 25th in batting average (.220).
The Yankees desperately need a power-hitting third baseman at the deadline. That’s why ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan proposes New York deal for Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Eugenio Suarez.
“Suárez is an excellent first step. His power is undeniable, a perfect fit in the middle of any lineup. He plays third base, a black hole for New York this season,” Passan states.
Passan believes the Yankees shouldn’t target other third-base options like St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies’ Ryan McMahon and Pittsburgh Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes because “they’re owed significant money and are under contract for multiple years.”
“Suárez’s expiring contract would allow the Yankees a trial run, and if he thrives in the Bronx, all they would need to bring him back is cash,” Passan notes.
Suarez, who was just selected to his second All-Star team, is slashing .251/.320/.563 with 29 home runs, 17 doubles and a 140 OPS+. He and Judge would instantly form a powerful slugging duo.
