Yankees predicted to bring $79 million two-time All-Star to New York

The sprint to the trade deadline will be a huge one for the New York Yankees.

Though the Yankees held a commanding lead in the American League East for much of the first half, they're in a tough battle now. They trail the Toronto Blue Jays by two games and the Boston Red Sox are only one game behind them for third.

For New York to seize control of the division, the third base position has to be solved. It's been an offensive black hole all year, with a current platoon of Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas craving improvement.

One sportswriter foresees the Yankees bringing in not only the biggest third base name on the trade market, but perhaps the biggest slugger, period.

On Monday, Matt Johnson of Sportsnaut predicted that the Yankees would acquire Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, who will be a free agent this winter after playing out an eight-year, $79 million contract that began with the Cincinnati Reds.

"The New York Yankees’ interest in third baseman Eugenio Suarez is well-documented at this point. New York already moved Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base, opening up a spot at the hot corner for an acquisition at the MLB trade deadline." Johnson wrote.

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"With the Arizona Diamondbacks entering the All-Star Break 5.5 games out of the last WC spot in the National League, it’s reasonable to assume they’ll be mini-sellers. Suarez... is an ideal addition to the Yankees lineup... He gives New York a half-season rental and provides a spark for a ballclub that posted an 18-21 record from June 1 to July 13."

Suárez, who turns 34 on Friday, is the best offensive third baseman in the league this season. He's got 31 home runs, an .889 OPS, and 78 RBIs, the most by any hitter in the National League.

Though Suárez won't likely make another $79 million in free agency, he's going to command a payday that New York may not care to match, seeing as their offense is already plenty expensive. This feels like a true rental situation, and it's one that makes more sense by the day.

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