The New York Yankees could be looking for infield help near the deadline. They have DJ LeMahieu at second base right now, but may be interested in an upgrade.
LeMahieu has shared second base with Jorbit Vivas. LeMahieu is slashing .239/.314/.326. He is clearly not the player he once was and may be better suited for a utility role off the bench at this point in his career. ESPN's Jeff Passan tabbed Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays as a target for the Yankees.
"Intradivision trades are never easy to execute, but the possibility of Lowe and a relief arm makes sense," wrote Passan. "Regardless of what the Yankees do at the deadline, they've given themselves a nice cushion in the AL East and were the class of the division through Memorial Day. Lowe's career numbers at Yankee Stadium are admittedly abysmal, but his left-handed stroke and the short porch in right field feel like a match made in heaven."
Lowe signed a six-year, $24 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. He is playing on a $10.5 million club option this season and has an $11.5 million option for next season. He is hitting .242 with 11 home runs through 54 games.
The Yankees are planning to use Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base when he returns. Lowe would be able to slot in at second base, giving the Yankees an infield of Paul Goldschmidt, Lowe, Anthony Volpe and Chisholm. Lowe should have plenty of trade interest if the Rays start selling off pieces near the trade deadline.
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Lowe would not cost the Yankees much in an ideal world. However, the fact that the Rays would be trading him within the division would likely change that.
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