The Yankees have a great shot at consecutive American League pennants, but there’s one glaring hole in their lineup that needs fixing.
Every night, they’re sending out a third baseman who offers minimal offensive upside. Whether it’s Oswaldo Cabrera, Oswald Peraza, or eventually the returning D.J. LeMahieu, the hot corner remains their most problematic position.
The good news? Jazz Chisholm Jr. showed last season he can handle both second and third base effectively, giving the Yankees flexibility. They just need to find another quality infielder before the July 31 trade deadline.
One baseball writer believes the Cardinals might have the perfect solution.
Dylan Sanders of Yankees on SI recently pitched Cardinals utility man Brendan Donovan as a top Yankees trade target. Donovan, under team control through 2027, could be exactly what New York needs.
“The Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild and this could be by far their best chance to move on from Donovan. He has been spectacular this season, having more trade value than ever,” Sanders wrote.
“The 28-year-old has posted a .367/.406/.541 slash line with three home runs and 15 RBI. He leads the NL in batting average. He could fill in to that third base role or open up the option to move Jazz Chisholm to the hot corner and have Donovan at second base.”
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Donovan’s $2.85 million salary this season wouldn’t strain the Yankees’ payroll at all. And even if he cools off from his current torrid pace, his career 120 OPS+ would still represent a significant upgrade.
What makes Donovan particularly valuable is his versatility. He’s played 145 games at second base compared to 46 at third, but he can also handle left field, shortstop, or first base in a pinch. That’s the kind of flexibility that championship teams often need down the stretch and into October.
