With the MLB trade deadline approaching at the end of July, the New York Yankees are reportedly exploring moves to strengthen specific areas of their roster. Following a six-game losing streak—including a 12-6 defeat to the Mets on Saturday—rumors have surfaced linking the Yankees to several potential acquisitions, including Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes.
Hayes, currently in the third year of an eight-year, $70 million contract that began in 2022, has drawn interest from multiple teams. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees, along with the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs, have expressed interest in acquiring him.
Nightengale also noted that the Yankees are targeting Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, hoping to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to his natural position at second base. However, Suárez has made it clear he’s happy in Arizona and has no desire to be traded.
“I don’t want to leave Arizona,” Suárez told Ken Rosenthal. “Obviously, we know how the business of baseball is. But right now, I feel comfortable… Every time we win, I feel like we’ve got a chance at the playoffs. When we lose, those trade thoughts start to creep in, which isn’t good for me.”
As part of their strategy to improve the infield, the Yankees are seeking a reliable third baseman, which would allow Chisholm to return to second base. Hayes, despite modest offensive numbers—batting .244 with two home runs and 29 RBIs in 82 games—could fill that role.
Although Chisholm hasn’t publicly objected to the position change, he acknowledged his preference for second base in an interview with Chris Kirschner of The Athletic.
“Everybody knows I’m a second baseman,” said Chisholm. “Of course, I want to play second, but I’ll do what’s needed to help the team win. I don’t write the lineups—you feel me?”
He added, “I know I’m better at second, but if I have to play third, I’ll handle it.”
The Yankees, currently 48-41 and second in the AL East, are looking to reverse their recent slide as they approach the deadline.
