The New York Yankees made several notable infield moves this offseason, parting ways with Gleyber Torres, shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, and signing Paul Goldschmidt to handle first.
However, third base remains a concern, with DJ LeMahieu battling injuries and Oswaldo Cabrera more suited to a utility role. Given Chisholm’s defensive flexibility, the Yankees could explore trade options at both second and third base as the deadline approaches.
Sports Illustrated’s Dylan Sanders pointed to Jeff McNeil as a potential trade target, noting his steady performance and defensive reliability. McNeil, who just returned to action, has posted a .257/.332/.380 slash line over the past three seasons.
Adding Jeff McNeil would allow the Yankees to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third base, addressing a key infield weakness. McNeil, a two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger, and 2022 National League batting champion, brings proven offensive and defensive value.
He signed a four-year, $50 million extension in 2023 and is under team control through 2027. After missing time with an oblique injury, McNeil recently returned to action and is off to a solid start, going 4-for-12 with three RBIs and a home run in his first three games.
While he’s made 26 career starts at third base, McNeil has spent most of his career at second, where he’d offer the Yankees a steady presence and allow Chisholm to handle third.
