Yankees trade pitch would replace DJ LeMahieu with All-Star from AL East rival

The New York Yankees are one of the best teams in baseball this season, but they have a clear need at second base that they need to address before the deadline.

The Yankees have relied on DJ LeMahieu to play second base since his return from the injured list. While he is not playing every day, he is seeing a majority of the time there. He is slashing .258/.333/.371 in 20 games. While he has not been as bad as he was last year, he is inconsistent, and there is no telling if he can make it through the whole season.

Trading for a second baseman is easier said than done. There may not be many quality options available at the trade deadline. However, the Yankees do have the option of adding a third baseman thanks to Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s versatility. Pinstripe Nation's Sara Molnick tabbed Bo Bichette as the top fit for the Yankees at the trade deadline.

"Bichette has been a consistent offensive force for the Blue Jays, boasting a .278 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs," wrote Molnick. "His right-handed bat and ability to play both shortstop and second base make him an attractive option. However, acquiring him from a division rival would likely require a substantial package."

Bichette is a shortstop, but should be able to take over at second base as an everyday player. That would move LeMahieu to the bench and make the Yankees a better team overall. The Yankees' current utility players on the bench are Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas. Replacing either with LeMahieu would give the Yankees a better bench.

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In an ideal world, LeMahieu turns back into the player he once was, when he was competing for batting titles and MVP awards. However, his age and decline are real factors as the Yankees try to put together a plan for the trade deadline. Bichette has led the American League in hits twice and is a two-time All-Star.

This season, he has a .743 OPS and has found his power swing again. He has eight home runs since May 1, after not hitting a single home run in March or April. Before last season, Bichette had hit 20-plus home runs in three consecutive years. The Blue Jays may be reluctant to trade him in general, but especially to the Yankees.

However, if they fall out of contention, they may be forced to move on. Bichette is going to be a free agent after the season ends, and the Blue Jays may not be able to afford making him one of the highest-paid shortstops in baseball after committing $500 million to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Yankees may have to overpay to land him, but he should be able to improve their chances at a World Series.

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