The New York Yankees need a third baseman. That part’s clear. What’s not so clear is whether they’ll actually land one, because while their options are plentiful, their leverage might not be.
In a recent column for CBS Sports, Mike Axisa laid out five potential third basemen the Yankees could target ahead of the trade deadline: Nolan Arenado, Ke’Bryan Hayes, Ryan McMahon, Eugenio Suárez, and Ramón Urías. On paper, it’s a deep list. But in reality, nearly every name on it comes with caveats, contract baggage, or heavy competition.
And that’s where the Yankees might run into trouble.
Not Alone in the Market
New York isn’t the only team looking to shore up the hot corner. Contenders like the Brewers, Dodgers, and Giants all have holes or underwhelming production at third base. Some of those teams—especially Milwaukee—have the young talent to outbid the Yankees in a straight-up prospect war. The Yankees’ farm system is top-heavy, but thinner beyond the first tier, which could prove costly in negotiations.
It’s one thing to want Eugenio Suárez, who’s slashing .252/.313/.550 with 28 homers and 74 RBI. It’s another thing to get him when another team dangles a more attractive package.
Familiar Names, Familiar Problems
Let’s take a closer look at the five names Axisa listed.
Nolan Arenado might be the biggest name on the board, but he’s a depreciating asset. His bat has cooled, his defense isn’t what it once was, and he’s owed $40 million through 2027. Trading DJ LeMahieu (who has been DFAd) to take on a similar aging profile would be a lateral move at best, though even that would be an upgrade from Oswald Peraza and JC Escarra.
Ke’Bryan Hayes is the most intriguing long-term play. He’s a somewhat elite defender and a former Yankee lineage guy, with his father catching the final out of the 1996 World Series. But Hayes is signed through 2029, and the Pirates have not indicated a willingness to deal. He’d require a significant haul.
If the Rockies ever make a rational trade, Ryan McMahon makes some sense. He’s under contract for two more years at $16 million annually, and his glove plays. But he’s struggled to hit away from Coors Field, and the Yankees have enough offensive inconsistencies without bringing in another question mark.
Ramón Urías might be the most realistic fit. He’s cheap, controllable through 2026, and versatile. He also hits lefties well and would instantly upgrade the Yankees’ bench. But is he enough to meaningfully shift the team’s October ceiling?
Suárez Is the Prize—but It’ll Cost
Eugenio Suárez checks every box of all the players listed: power, playoff experience, and expiring contract. And he plays for a Diamondbacks team that’s rapidly slipping in the NL playoff race. He’s the type of midseason rental that could push the Yankees from fringe contender to legitimate threat—if they’re willing to pay up.
But the Brewers have been just as aggressive in their search. They have better team control, flexibility, and the type of MLB-ready prospects Arizona could covet. If it comes down to a bidding war, New York might not hold the advantage it thinks they do.
Clock’s Ticking
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he wants a starter, a reliever, and an infielder. That’s a full shopping cart for a team with limited trade capital and major injury concerns. The front office can’t afford to wait for other teams to set the market.
If the Yankees want a third baseman, they’ll need to act fast and boldly. Because while options exist, competition does too. And the longer they wait, the more likely those options disappear.
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