The New York Yankees could use an upgrade at third base and it sounds like the Chicago Cubs could be a solid trade partner.
New York had one of the worst offenses in baseball last season and specifically didn't get much out of the third base spot. Josh Donaldson struggled and New York has a lot of young guys on the roster attempting to adjust to the big leagues.
One player who could end up being a trade target for the Yankees this offseason to improve the position is Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal, according to SNY's Anthony McCarron.
"Here, we are piggybacking on an MLB.com suggestion that Nick Madrigal might be the best third baseman on the winter trade market," McCarron said. "It's not that the Cubs are shopping him -- they just could make a move from a surplus of infielders and Madrigal, who can play second base, too, might be a possibility.
"We like a potential deal for him for the Yanks. Madrigal will be 26 in March, is eligible for two years of arbitration, and is adept at putting the ball in play. Among his career numbers, he has a .280 batting average and an 8.9% strikeout rate. For reference, the Guardians had the lowest strikeout rate of any team in 2023 -- 18.7%. The Yankees could use someone who makes contact regularly, eh?"
Madrigal would be an improvement for the Yankees. He slashed .263/.311/.352 in 2023 and also doesn't have a very expensive contract. New York has the prospect capital needed to get a deal done and if they were to land Madrigal through trade, would have plenty of money to spend elsewhere in free agency -- mainly for starting pitching. A move may not be likely, but if it is a possibility, New York should jump on it.
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