The New York Yankees lineup has largely been carried by Aaron Judge this season, heading into MLB games today ranked top fice in runs scored (407), on-base percentage (.336) and slugging (.450). With the eye of making it back to the World Series, New York is monitoring two hitters to help further improve run production.
USA Today‘s Bob Nightengale reported that the Yankees are “keeping a close eye” on Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
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- Eugenio Suarez stats (ESPN): .251/.323/.569, .892 OPS, 25 home runs, 67 RBI, 16 doubles, 48 runs scored in 283 at-bats
As Nightengale writes, the purpose of acquiring either player would be to address two positions. New York could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, which would allow the club to move DJ LeMahieu (.640 OPS) into a utility role.
Entering play on Friday, the Yankees’ third basemen ranked 21st in OPS (.646), and the club ranked 18th in OPS (.664) among second basemen. Notably, Suarez and Kiner-Falefa have both generated plenty of interest from other clubs.
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- Isiah Kiner-Falefa stats (ESPN): .273/.319/.346, .665 OPS, 18 RBI, 22 runs scored, 10 doubles, 9 steals in 231 at-bats
Suarez would be the Yankees’ preferred option, as he could be a middle-of-the-order hitter whose power would be amplified at Yankee Stadium. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks still haven’t determined if they’ll be sellers at the trade deadline in July.
Kiner-Falefa, who previously played for the Yankees (2022–23), is known to be available. He has also been targeted by the San Francisco Giants and is likely an option for other playoff contenders seeking infield depth.
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