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Yankees Predicted to Trade for All-Star Second Baseman After Jazz Chisholm News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 10:59 AM ET

As early as Tuesday night, the New York Yankees could unveil a new infield alignment featuring two-time batting champion DJ LeMahieu at second base and former All-Star slugger Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third base.

Where might Tampa Bay Rays veteran Brandon Lowe eventually fit into the equation? Great question.

ESPN's Jeff Passan suggested the Yankees, who own a 5.5-game lead in the AL East, should pursue Lowe via trade ahead of the July 31 deadline. Lowe, a 2019 All-Star selection and reliable veteran bat, is hitting .242 with 11 homers, 31 RBI, and a .725 OPS for the inconsistent Rays.

Lowe would theoretically replace LeMahieu at second base. Chisholm previously played second before suffering an oblique injury at the end of April; the Yankees could reportedly activate him before Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians.

"Lowe's career numbers at Yankee Stadium are admittedly abysmal," Passan noted, "but his left-handed stroke and the short porch in right field feel like a match made in heaven."

Indeed, Lowe has mustered just a .175 average with eight home runs and a .655 OPS in 39 games at Yankee Stadium.

Although the Yankees need another infielder, Lowe doesn't make the most sense right now. The Yankees already have a logjam at second base, which prompted Chisholm's move to third despite him implying he wanted to avoid a position change.

Unlike Chisholm and LeMahieu, though, Lowe has never played third base. He's only manned second base this year, outside of two starts at DH, and his corner outfield days appear behind him.

Brandon Lowe puts @RaysBaseball ahead with home run No. 11 pic.twitter.com/0tc6coILby
— MLB (@MLB) May 28, 2025

Lowe also likely won't come cheap compared to other infield trade targets. He turns 31 on July 6 and has a $11.5 million club option for 2026.

Barring further injuries, the Yankees can find a better fit than Lowe. Manager Aaron Boone appears committed to keeping LeMahieu in the lineup, and the club remains all-in on Chisholm despite a propensity for strikeouts.

That's not to say the 30-29 Rays shouldn't consider trading Lowe if they wave the white flag and pivot to 2026. However, a Lowe-Yankees partnership doesn't make sense right now, unless the Yankees intend to totally revamp their lineup.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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