With the New York Yankees suffering another notable injury to a player expected to be a starter in 2025, the club may have to more seriously consider a potential win-win trade with in-city rivals the New York Mets.
There are big expectations for the Yankees heading into the new season. After a trip to the World Series in October, the goal is to finish the story this fall and bring the franchise a 28th championship. Sure, they lost Juan Soto in free agency. However, many around the game feel the moves they made after have created a better roster than the one they had in 2024.
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Nevertheless, while New York has one of the best rosters in baseball, they also have some issues. The first is at designated hitter. Veteran Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with issues in both elbows, and when he will return to action this year is anyone’s guess. Then there is third base where the biggest position battle is happening this spring.
Six-year Yankees veteran DJ LeMahieu is expected to win the starting job at the hot corner. Unfortunately, and to the surprise of no one, the oft-injured 36-year-old suffered a calf injury this past week that could sideline him for a significant amount of time. The other 3Bs on the roster are Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza. Both are better utility men or defensive replacements than everyday players.
That is why the LeMahieu injury might make Brian Cashman more seriously consider a rare trade with the Mets, of all teams, before the start of the season.
Should New York Yankees try to trade for New York Mets prospect Brett Baty?
Brett Baty has been a favorite of New York Mets talent evaluators for the last few years. The infielder was a top two player in their farm system just two years ago. However, despite being given real opportunities to win a job at the big league level, he has yet to consistently bring his success from the minors to the majors. Furthermore, Mark Vientos is entrenched at third and former batting champion Jeff McNeil is unlikely to lose his spot at second.
It leaves him as a player without a position. That is why he would make a lot of sense for the New York Yankees. He plays good defense, has pop in his bat and a boatload of untapped potential. Hitting in a deep Pinstripes lineup and a little change of scenery could be very good for Baty. If he fails, he costs the team very little. However, if he can start playing towards his potential, he would be a huge addition now and long-term.
To make a deal worth it for the Mets, the Yankees can go two ways. The team from Queens has had two major injuries hit their starting staff this spring. Sending Marcus Stroman — a player they want to move — to the Mets to help fill that hole and picking up most of his contract would work. Or, with the Mets always looking to bolster their farm system, the Yanks could offer up a pair of low-level prospects in a potential trade for Baty.