Rental Infielders ‘Better Target’ for Yankees Due to D.J. LeMahieu Contract

The New York Yankees continue to search for a third baseman ahead of the trade deadline.

Brian Cashman is casting a wide net to try and bring someone in, but the Bronx Bombers are running out of time. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal is reporting the team will focus on rentals instead of someone who has multiple years left on their deal because of paying D.J. LeMahieu’s remaining balance.

“The $22 million the Yankees are obligated to pay DJ LeMahieu makes a rental such as Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez a more logical fit for them at third base than a player such as St. Louis’ Nolan Arenado or Colorado’s Ryan McMahon, who is signed beyond 2025,” wrote Rosenthal.

Suárez has been linked to the Yankees by several insiders and reporters, but the Diamondbacks’ situation remains fluid. They entered Saturday six games out of the final wild card spot. It would take a big win streak to pull them closer, and Suárez could be on the move if that does not happen.

Even though Rosenthal did not mention him, this all but confirms the Yankees are out on Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes as well. If a Suarez deal falls through, they could possibly pivot to players such as Yoan Moncada or a potential reunion with Miguel Andujar.

It’s understandable that the Yankees would not want to take on a player who is owed a lot of money with paying LeMahieu $26 million to not cost them games. However, this significantly limits their options at the hot corner for the deadline. This is a move that will make Cashman’s job that much more difficult.

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