“Acquiring the Giants’ third baseman would help cover the hole in the Yankees’ left side of the infield caused by DJ LeMahieu’s problems. He has the attributes that the Yankees look for in hitters: a high average exit velocity, the ability to square up the ball, and a low chase percentage,” Kirschner noted. “Though defensive stats differ this season, he’s been a standout at third base throughout his career. Furthermore, if the Yankees sign him, he would immediately become their quickest player on the roster.”
Matt Chapman’s Trade Value
Kirschner stated that the Giants may not be sellers at the deadline. They are three games off of a wild-card berth and may attempt to make additions to pass other teams in similar situations.
“The Giants haven’t said if they’ll buy or sell, but if they decide to sell, Chapman should be near the top of the Yankees’ wish list,” according to Kirschner.
Chapman inked a three-year, $54 million contract with the San Francisco Giants this summer. However, his deal includes a $17 million player option with a $2 million buyout in 2025, as well as a $18 million player option with a $3 million buyout in 2026.
“Chapman said back in March that he likely will opt out of his contract at the end of the season to become a free agent again,” according to Kirschner. “If that’s the expectation, the Yankees likely won’t have to spend an exorbitant amount in prospect capital to possibly land him.”
Yankees need infield help.
“The ideal deadline would see the Yankees add an infielder — either at second or third base — two bullpen arms and potentially another starting pitcher due to uncertainty in the team’s rotation,” Kirschner tweeted.
LeMahieu is hitting.202/.296/.229 this season. In terms of outs over average, LeMahieu has outperformed the two-time Platinum Glove Award winner this season. Chapman has 0 OAA, while LeMahieu has 5.
Unfortunately for LeMahieu, the Yankees need more offensive support than they do defensively. LeMahieu is hardly the only Yankees infielder struggling at the plate.
Anthony Rizzo was struggling prior to his forearm injury. Rizzo was batting.223/.289/.341 before being placed on the disabled list. Ben Rice, on the other hand, has done admirably in his absence.
Gleyber is a two-time All-Star. Torres has a.224 batting average and.641 OPS this year. Torres’ output has been below-average, so he was benched on June 26 and 27. Manager Aaron Boone described it as a “reset.”
Torres has been hitting.290 since then, but the Yankees may still be seeking for a replacement. Torres will become a free agent following the season. Oswaldo Cabrera started the year strong, but has been hitting.206 since April 22.
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