Yankees Eyeing Infield Upgrade As Trade Deadline Comes Into Focus

 They need one that represents a clear upgrade over DJ LeMahieu and Oswald Peraza at either second or third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. can move around. The Yankees need someone who can hit — and hit now.

If this offense is going to wake up, it can’t just be Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. The bottom half of the order has been carrying too many passengers. And with LeMahieu still trying to find his footing post-injury and Peraza looking more like a glove-first role player, the need is real.

There are options.

Eugenio Suárez makes a ton of sense. The Diamondbacks are fading and might be open for business. Suárez has postseason experience, pop, and has long been a quietly reliable presence at third.

Brandon Lowe has been floated as a trade candidate from the Rays — not the most likely intra-division deal, but the fit is there if Tampa gets aggressive.

Ryan McMahon of the Rockies is another interesting piece. He’s having a solid year in Denver and would bring left-handed power, plus versatility.

And now that Rafael Devers is in San Francisco, you have to wonder: does Matt Chapman become expendable? The glove is elite, and if he gets hot at the plate, he’s a game-changer.

Pitching may still headline Cashman’s to-do list, but if the Yankees are serious about October, they need a bat that can help now — and it probably has to come from the infield.