The New York Yankees’ infield could use a boost if they want to make it back to the World Series. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is back at third base, solving that problem, but second base now needs a boost.
DJ LeMahieu was once one of the best hitters in baseball, but he is clearly past his prime. He is hitting .245 with a .641 OPS this year. The Yankees seemingly do not trust him all over the infield as they once did. Since 2023, he has played in just 219 games and has a .233/.311/.351. Empire Sports Media’s Ryan Garcia tabbed Ha-Seong Kim as a trade target for the Yankees.
Kim spent four seasons with the San Diego Padres before signing a two-year, $29 million deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in the offseason. He underwent shoulder surgery at the end of last season and has not made his debut this season. However, he has started his rehab assignment. Even though he is not a superstar at the plate, he could be a better option for the Yankees than LeMahieu and Jorbit Vivas.
“He could put up an 85 OPS+ and still contribute more than the in-house options based on the glove and speed alone, and that’s worth the price of acquisition,” wrote Garcia. “Ha-Seong Kim is a player who doesn’t have huge nights, but his consistent ability to make a positive impact on the game one way or another makes him a perfect addition to an offense with tons of power depth.”
Kim has a .242/.326/.370 career slash line with 47 home runs. His deal includes a player option valued at $16 million for 2026. It is not out of the question for the Rays to trade him if he builds some trade value when he returns, and they fall out of contention.
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“His patient approach and high contact rate enable him to be an effective table setter at the bottom of the lineup, who can be put into motion to create offense,” wrote Garcia. “With a high flyball rate and low groundball rate, he’s also an effective sacrifice hitter, having the fifth-most sacrifice flies and sacrifice hits from 2022-2024. Ha-Seong Kim also has a 122 wRC+ versus left-handed pitching as well, but we all know the glove is the main selling point. In 127 games at second base, Ha-Seong Kim has 15 Defensive Runs Saved and 8 Outs Above Average, being one of the best defenders at the position on a per-rate basis.”
LeMahieu is likely better suited for a bench role for the Yankees as they look to avenge their World Series loss. Kim would be a much more consistent option for them and officially end LeMahieu’s time as one of the Yankees’ primary starters.
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