The New York Yankees need help in their infield, and they addressed the issue by giving Aaron Boone a new option to put at third base.
The New York Yankees are going through a tough stretch. While Aaron Judge recently hit his 30th home run of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays, the team still came up short, and their struggles extend beyond the offense. Defensively, the Yankees have been a mess, particularly in the infield, where Jazz Chisholm Jr. has struggled at third base all season.
In an effort to improve, New York brought in Nicky Lopez on a minor league deal, per MLB Insider Robert Murray. Lopez, who won a Gold Glove in 2024 with the Chicago White Sox, spent time this season with both the Los Angeles Angels and the Chicago Cubs. Now 30, he offers a potential upgrade at third base and could give Chisholm Jr. some much-needed support.
While the Yankees aren’t expecting Lopez to be a long-term solution, he could earn a shot in the majors if he finds his rhythm at the plate in the minors. His glove alone might be enough to justify a promotion, especially considering the team’s need for more defensive reliability in tight games.
New York’s recent history includes costly defensive lapses, notably the collapse in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. Manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman are working to prevent a repeat, and Lopez could be part of that plan—if he performs.
Still, the Yankees aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket. The front office continues to pursue top-tier third basemen on the trade market, recognizing that Lopez is a low-risk addition rather than a guaranteed fix. As the team tries to shake off its slump, every move counts.
