Key takeaways:
– New York Yankees consider a trade to strengthen their infield lineup before the deadline.
– Proposed trade would swap Yankees’ No. 5 prospect Everson Pereira for Los Angeles Angels’ Luis Rengifo.
– Yankees’ current infield lineup including Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu shows signs of struggle.
Infield Revamp for the Yankees?
As the trading season moves swiftly, the New York Yankees have a clear agenda on their minds: a stronger infield presence. Yankee stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been leading the charge on the offensive front. However, the infield has been unable to keep up, leading the team’s management to keep an eye out for potential recruits.
Suggested by Joel Reuter from the Bleacher Report, one such proposal has the versatile Luis Rengifo from the Los Angeles Angels coming to the Yankee’s side. In return, they would send their promising No. 5 prospect Everson Pereira to join the Angels.
Rengifo: The Answer to Yankees’ Infield Struggle?
With a solid performance as a shortstop, second and third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels, Rengifo is known for his flawless offensive game. The seasoned utility man boasts a 116 OPS+ and a commendable hitting average of .305/.354/.413. His highlights this season include 15 extra-base hits and 20 steals over 62 games.
Currently, the Yankees rank 27th in the season’s OPS from second base and third base. Their infield could indeed do with a boost, and the addition of Rengifo with his consistent average and OPS could offer that. It’s good to remember that these achievements outshine any current starter for the Yankees at second and third base.
Dodging Potential Pitfalls
Switching gears to the players struggling on the Yankee’s team, a notably under-performing Gleyber Torres comes to mind. With a less than average production, Torres has faced the consequences of his .215/.294/.333 slash line in 80 games this season. In fact, he was benched on June 26.
DJ LeMahieu too hasn’t had the best stint since his return from the injured list. He managed only a .178/.274/.178 in 23 games this season. Although there’s hope that the 35-year-old can bounce back, considering he has recently returned from an injury.
Trade Proposal: Pros and Cons
The potential trade suggests the Yankees parting with Pereira, who has shown promise in the Triple-A level. He has performed splendidly with a .300/.373/.548 and an .859 OPS score, combined with 18 home runs and 64 RBI; however, with a crowded outfield and a struggling infield, this trade could bring a balance within the Yankees’ lineup.
Apart from providing immediate relief to the Yankees’ infield, Rengifo, controllable through 2025, could prove to be a good replacement for Torres in the coming season.
The First Base Dilemma
In addition to their troubling infield, the Yankees could also be hunting down a first baseman this trading season. Their present primary baseman, Anthony Rizzo’s condition hasn’t improved, and he continues to be sidelined because of a forearm fracture.
In conclusion, a fresh injection of talent in the infield via Luis Rengifo could be the boost the Yankees need to weather through this season. Both teams have clear needs which this trade proposal adeptly addresses, making it a compelling option.