It’s no secret that the New York Yankees need an offensive upgrade in the infield.
Oswald Peraza and DJ LeMahieu are both capable of playing third or second base at above-average levels, but their performances at the plate leave much to be desired. Peraza used to be one of the Yankees’ top prospects, but owns a 47 OPS+ in 51 games this year. LeMahieu’s 81 OPS+ in 35 games is considerably better, but New York considers itself a World Series contender.
Peraza and LeMahieu’s numbers may not be enough. Both players have displayed their inconsistencies and hit for little to no power.
Yankees Listed as Trade Fit for Alex Bregman
The Boston Red Sox entered 2025 as a club with an improved roster, hoping for better days to come. Instead, they are seven games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East, and 2.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the third Wild Card spot.
Given that the July 31 trade deadline is approaching, ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel listed and ranked their top 50 MLB trade candidates, and Boston’s third baseman, Alex Bregman, is someone to keep an eye on. Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox during the winter but has an option to exercise an opt-out after each season.
“Bregman has been an elite big league hitter since he entered the league in 2016, but has leaned more into power this year, with his highest isolated power since 2019,” Passan and McDaniel wrote.
“Most of his underlying power indicators (barrel rate, maximum exit velo, average launch angle, and hard hit rate) are at career highs. His $40 million salary — and the chance to opt into two more years at $40 million annually — significantly shortens the list of teams that would take on his deal.”
ESPN’s duo listed the Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets as the best fits for Bregman.
Why a Trade Makes Sense
The New York Yankees were viewed as one of Bregman’s top suitors for free agency, but nothing materialized. Before the 31-year-old landed on the injured list on May 24 with a strained quad, he hit .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs and a .938 OPS in 51 games.
Bregman’s 159 OPS+ is significantly higher than that of LeMahieu and Peraza’s, and the Yankees have pitching prospects like right-handers Ben Hess and Chase Hampton that could pique the Boston Red Sox interest. Adding Bregman to the Yankees’ lineup with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Ben Rice would be a nightmare for opposing pitchers in the postseason.
Why a Trade Doesn’t Make Sense
There’s no guarantee Bregman would opt in to his contract next season, even on a contending team like the New York Yankees. On Wednesday, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, told ESPN that the slugger could be interested in signing a new contract with the Boston Red Sox.
Passan and McDaniel also put Boston’s chances of trading Bregman at a slim 10 percent, which means even if the Red Sox fall out of the race, they are hopeful the third baseman returns to the club next year.
There may be too much risk involved for both the Yankees and Red Sox to strike a trade with Bregman as the centerpiece. They are also in division rivals who rarely swap players.
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