The New York Yankees look like one of the best teams in baseball despite a hole in their infield. While DJ LeMahieu has played better than expected, the Yankees could still use an upgrade at second base.
The Yankees could also target starting pitching near the trade deadline. However, adding a second baseman might be at the top of their list of priorities. BALLCAP Sports’ Jim Riley tabbed Brandon Lowe of the Tampa Bay Rays as a fit for the Yankees at the trade deadline.
Lowe signed a six-year, $24 million deal with the Rays before the 2019 season. He was named an All-Star that year and finished third in the American League Rookie of the Year race. He has hit 139 home runs in his career and could replace LeMahieu as the team’s primary second baseman.
This season, Lowe has a .245/.294/.446 slash line. While he would be a fit on the Yankees, the Rays may not actually be open to trading him. He has a $11.5 million club option for 2026, and the Rays may not be wise to part ways with such a cost-effective starter. Additionally, the Rays may actually end up staying put or adding at the deadline.
If the season ended today, the Rays would actually be the top Wild Card team in the American League. They are also just four games back of the Yankees in the American League East. A lot can change between now and the July 31 trade deadline, but it is unlikely the Rays would trade Lowe to a team they are trying to pass in the standings.
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However, if the Rays do decide to sell, they could take advantage of the Yankees’ desperation and perhaps get a slight overpay for Lowe. Lowe would be more than a rental for the Yankees, who could go into next season with him as a starter in their infield.
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