BRERAKING: Yankees target to trade 5 talented superstars including All-Star 1B key man
The New York Yankees were already considering acquiring additional hitters to strengthen their lineup before the MLB trade deadline. After Anthony Rizzo’s injury on Sunday, rumors linking the team to corner infielders are expected to increase.
Rizzo sustained an arm injury during Sunday Night Baseball against the Boston Red Sox after colliding with Red Sox reliever Brennan Bernardino while running to first base. He exited the game with trainers, and the team quickly anticipated that their first baseman would be out for several weeks.
On Monday, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Brendan Kuty, and Chris Kirschner reported that Rizzo fractured the radial neck of his right arm. Although he won’t require surgery, he is projected to be on the injured list for at least four weeks, potentially extending to six weeks.
Given this timeline, Rizzo wouldn’t rejoin the Yankees’ lineup until after the All-Star Break at the earliest. In a worst-case scenario, he would still be in the final stages of his rehab around the time of the MLB trade deadline.
The Yankees had been internally debating whether to find a trade replacement for Rizzo, but there was interest in allowing him time to improve his performance at the plate. With that no longer an option, the Yankees may now proceed with plans to replace him for the rest of the season.
Identifying New York Yankees trade targets at first base, third base
Ken Rosenthal previously mentioned on Fox Sports 1 that the Yankees are considering shifting DJ LeMahieu to first base and targeting a third baseman via trade. With these options in mind, here are potential trade targets for the Yankees at both first and third base:
**Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays**: Teams are eyeing the Rays as potential sellers at the trade deadline. Diaz, the 2023 AL batting champion and All-Star, has a .259 batting average and .680 OPS this year in 282 at-bats. However, since May 1, he has improved, hitting .287/.352/.402 with a .754 OPS and 122 wRC+. He is defensively average (50th percentile Fielding Run Value) and is under contract through 2026, with an $8 million salary in 2024, $10 million in 2025, and a $12 million club option for 2026.
**Josh Bell, Miami Marlins**: The Marlins are having a fire sale and want to move on from first baseman Josh Bell. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Miami is willing to cover a significant portion of Bell’s $16.5 million salary. Since May 1, Bell has been slashing .284/.335/.432 with a .768 OPS and is a switch-hitter.
**Pete Alonso, New York Mets**: While a high-profile option, acquiring Alonso might not be realistic. His remaining salary is over $20.5 million. Alonso offers power (15 home runs and .464 SLG) but lacks on-base skills (.318 OBP since 2023).
**Luis Rengifo, Los Angeles Angels**: For versatility, Rengifo is an interesting option. He primarily plays third and second base, with some experience at shortstop and in right field. Since May 1, Rengifo is slashing .316/.360/.419 with a .779 OPS, though he is a defensive liability (7th percentile Fielding Run Value).
**Jeimer Candelario, Cincinnati Reds**: With Noelvi Marte returning from suspension in late June, a trade involving Candelario might benefit both the Yankees and Reds. Candelario, who can play either corner infield spot, is slashing .289/.327/.553. The Reds’ outfielders currently rank 20th in wRC+ (92), indicating a potential area for improvement.