Yankees trade pitch sends DJ LeMahieu to bench, adds $70M All-Star

The New York Yankees are in the midst of their worst stretch of the season. They have lost five straight and have been shut out in three consecutive games.

The Yankees could be looking for upgrades to their offense at the trade deadline. The Yankees' infield could be a point of emphasis as they try to add to their team for another World Series run. DJ LeMahieu has handled a majority of the work at second base, but his defense is not great and he is slashing .244/.333/.341.

The Yankees can target both third basemen and second basemen thanks to Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s versatility. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand tabbed Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies as a fit for the Yankees.

"The Rockies had hoped for McMahon to be part of their core when they turned things around, but Colorado appears to be far away from that point, making McMahon a potential trade chip," wrote Feinsand. "The 30-year-old has turned things around following a sluggish start, hitting seven homers with 16 RBIs and an .855 OPS in 37 games since May 7, while ranking in the top 10 percent of the league this season in average exit velocity, hard-hit percentage and walk percentage. A stellar defensive third baseman, McMahon is signed for $12 million in 2025 and $16 million in each of the next two seasons."

McMahon signed a six-year, $70 million extension in 2022. He was named an All-Star last season and hit 20 home runs on the year. He has put together four consecutive 20-plus home run seasons. He has hit at least 20 home runs in every full season he has played in. He is hitting .222 with a .745 OPS overall this season, but since June started, he has a .259 average with a .947 OPS.

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Adding McMahon would allow the Yankees to move Chisholm back to second base, where he is a better defender. McMahon would slot in at third base, improving the Yankees' defense. It would also push LeMahieu to the bench, thus upgrading the bench for Aaron Boone as well.

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