The New York Yankees’ 2025 season is unraveling, and one of the main reasons is manager Aaron Boone’s infield difficulties. Specifically, the franchise must execute a roster change that will allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to second base.
Interestingly, the flashy infielder recently told the media that “everyone” understands he is a natural second baseman. Perhaps Boone did not receive that memo. He continues to curiously stick with Chisholm at third base, giving DJ LeMahieu every opportunity to have a career resurrection at second.
The detrimental impacts on the Yankee infield are tough to ignore. Chisholm is making an admirable effort in the hot corner, but the position does not come easily to him. He is constantly battling off sharp ground balls that a more natural third baseman can absorb with softer hands.
The greater difficulties concern LeMahieu at second. His days of gold-glove defense are behind him. At this point in his career, he resembles a statue rather than a speedy middle infielder. This is a major reason why opposition hitters are batting. 310 with LeMahieu at second, Chisholm at third, and Anthony Volpe at shortstop. In sharp contrast, that average drops to.191 with Chisholm at second
Volpe at short and either Oswald Peraza or Oswaldo Cabrera manning the hot corner.
The Yankees’ route forward is pretty apparent. They must arrange a deal for a competent third baseman who will allow Chisholm to return to second base permanently. Here are the top three alternatives available to GM Brian Cashman and his staff ahead of this year’s MLB trade deadline.
1. Eugenio Suárez.
Eugenio Suarez has chosen the ideal time to have a career season at the bat. The prospective free agent has already hit 26 home runs this season, making him a highly desirable rental acquisition for the Yankees.
The problem is that he’s an appealing rental option for any team with World Series hopes. The Diamondbacks realize they can demand a king’s ransom for their 34-year-old third baseman. Getting him out of Arizona would not be an inexpensive proposition for the Yankees.
None of this changes the reality that he would significantly improve the Yankees’ everyday lineup. He would provide them with another slugger who could hit the ball in the middle of the lineup. The Yankees’ most significant in-season upgrade could be adding a quality defensive third baseman to provide additional protection for Aaron Judge.
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