MLB Rumors: Five Potential Third Base Options For The New York Yankees


The New York Yankees are 32-23 and they are really for real. The Yankees appear to be heading to the playoffs but they need to upgrade certain positions that include third base. The latest MLB rumors suggest that the team could try to improve their third base situation if they can find a different option other than the struggling Chase Headley before the trade deadline next month.

Headley is currently the starting third baseman but he has been having a difficult season. The 33-year-old switch-hitter is batting just.225 with a.300 on-base percentage and a.342 slugging percentage. He only has three home runs and 23 RBIs this season. The New York Yankees would be better off finding another option via trade or even from their stocked farm system.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Yankees are looking to acquire a third baseman before the trade deadline next month. Cafardo pointed out that the Yankees are for real and the effectiveness of their offense and defense has been really impressive. The pitching has been holding up despite the question marks heading into the season while outfielder Aaron Judge is the real deal.

The New York Yankees could always improve their starting pitching but it seems like their main priority is to upgrade third base. Here are the five potential third base options for the Yankees to replace Chase Headley and solidify their status as one of the best teams in the MLB this season.

Josh Donaldson – Toronto Blue Jays

Josh Donaldson #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays hits a two-run home run in an MLB game. [Image by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images]

The Blue Jays started off slow and there were rumors about the potential fire sale that will see Donaldson get traded. Toronto is back from the dead and they still have a chance to make the playoffs. However, the Blue Jays could also slump again and Donaldson could be back on the market.

Jonah Keri of SportsNet reported that the New York Yankees and their rivals Boston Red Sox are two of the top teams that could land Donaldson if the Blue Jays decide to trade him. The 2015 AL MVP has only played 19 games due to an injury but he is batting.294 with six home runs and 11 RBIs.

Todd Frazier – Chicago White Sox

Frazier is the top third baseman linked with trade rumors since last season. The 31-year-old star will be a free agent at the end of the season but he is expected to field a couple of prospects in a trade. Frazier is not a good hitter but he has game-changing power. Joe Giglio of NJ.com listed Frazier as one of the third basemen the New York Yankees could have an interest at the trade deadline.

However, Frazier is currently struggling this season with a.196 batting average with nine home runs and 26 RBIs. The struggles of Frazier lower his value for the rebuilding White Sox and the Yankees could pull off the trade but he might not be better than Headley, who is also having his own struggles this season.

David Freese – Pittsburgh Pirates

Freese is another option for the New York Yankees at the trade deadline, per Giglio. The former World Series MVP still has a contract until the 2019 MLB season but the Pirates appear to be heading to a rebuild. The Pirates are just 4.5 games behind first place in the NL Central but all signs point to a potential rebuilding process.

The Pirates will get a good haul of prospects for Freese, who is having a solid season with a.264 batting average, six home runs and 21 RBIs. The Yankees have the farm system to accommodate a trade and Freese’s playoff experience could help them this year if they want to make it far.

Mike Moustakas – Kansas City Royals

Another suggestion from Giglio is Mike Moustakas, who is going to be a free agent at the end of the season. “Moose” is represented by super-agent Scott Boras and the Royals are not known for giving out large contracts. Moustakas is a great rental option for the New York Yankees because of his experience.

The 28-year-old third baseman is having a great season for the Royals with a.275 batting average, 15 home runs and 32 RBIs. Moustakas is also on pace to record his most home runs in a season. Add the fact that the Royals are in last place in the AL Central, which makes trading Moustakas to the Yankees or any other team an easier decision.

Gleyber Torres – New York Yankees

Gleyber Torres #81 of the New York Yankees hits a solo home run in MLB Spring Training Game. [Image by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images]

Torres is the cream of the crop of the Yankees’ stocked farm system. Mike Axisa of River Ave Blues reported that the Yankees are grooming the 20-year-old as the third base of the future. However, he is currently struggling at Triple-A on both offense and defense. Torres is already getting accustomed to playing third base but he is not forcing the Yankees to call him up and take over the hot corner.

The New York Yankees might be better off trading for a veteran third baseman and not rush Torres. But if he gets hot in the next month, the Yankees could reconsider calling him up rather than give up top prospects for half-season rentals like Frazier and Moustakas.

[Featured Image by Jason Miller/Getty Images]

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