7 hours ago
Yankees Trade Scenario Would Send DJ LeMahieu to Braves for $35 Million All-Star
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The New York Yankees have a need in their infield, specifically at second base. DJ LeMahieu is slashing .240/.313/.327 with just five extra base hits on the year.
LeMahieu is no longer an All-Star or Gold Glover like he was in his prime. He still has one year left on his six-year, $90 million deal. However, if the Yankees want to reach their World Series aspirations, LeMahieu may have to be benched or moved.
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 08: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees throws the ball to first base in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during a 2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training...
DUNEDIN, FLORIDA - MARCH 08: DJ LeMahieu #26 of the New York Yankees throws the ball to first base in the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during a 2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training game at TD Ballpark on March 08, 2024 in Dunedin, Florida. MoreTrading LeMahieu will not be easy with his contract and decline. However, ClutchPoints' Zachary Howell proposed this trade that would swap LeMahieu for an Atlanta Braves All-Star:
Yankees receive: Ozzie Albies
Braves receive: DJ LeMahieu and Roderick Arias (Yankees' No. 5 prospect)
The Braves will not trade Albies or any of their stars if they are still in contention around the July 31 trade deadline. However, even if they are out of contention, they are not going to take on LeMahieu without a reason, and in this case, that reason is Arias.
Albies is not having his best year, slashing .224/.298/.326 with just six home runs. However, the three-time All-Star is starting to look more like himself. He has started to swing the bat a little better since being moved down in the batting order, and could benefit from a change of scenery and a hitter-friendly ballpark like Yankee Stadium.
Albies has $7 million club options for the next two seasons and is just 28 years old. He could be a key player for the Yankees. Last season, Jazz Chisholm Jr. came over from a struggling team and had a great run with the Yankees. Could Albies do the same?
More MLB: Phillies Executive Breaks Silence on Bryce Harper Position Change