Yankees' trade-deadline plans must include these two infielders

What’s most attractive about Castro for the Yankees is that he can take over the shortstop position from the largely ineffective Anthony Volpe (.215/.290/.387). Also, his ability to play outfield would allow the Yankees to trade Trent Grisham — another over-performing upcoming free agent — for a third baseman or a pitching staff upgrade.

Eugenio Suarez

The Yankees are in desperate need of a third baseman. Currently, they’re riding with Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas. An unproven rookie, Vivas has hit just .151/.219/.252 in limited playing time. Peraza showcased his offensive ineptitude with a nearly disastrous pop out on a bunt attempt in the 10th inning of the Bombers’ come-from-behind win against the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night.

The obvious upgrade choice is Suarez. In the middle of a monster power year, putting up a 138 OPS+ with 29 homers and 75 RBI, he’s also motivated by his looming 2026 free agency. What’s more, his career splits show that he’s at his best in the second half (.262/.339/.486 compared to .241/.325/.446 in the first half).

Trade rumors have also connected the Yankees to the likes of Colorado’s Ryan McMahon (82 OPS+) and Pittsburgh’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa (80 OPS+) and Ke’Bryan Hayes (64 OPS+). None of them are hitting well enough to justify a trade — even as a consolation prize if another team swoops in and grabs up Suarez.

So, when Yankees GM Brian Cashman looks to strengthen his infield, he should focus his efforts on Castro and Suarez. If Cashman can find a way to grab them along with a couple of bullpen pieces and a front-of-the-rotation starter, the Yankees will be perfectly positioned to atone for their 2024 World Series flop.