Yankees Named as Potential Landing Spot for $58 Million Infield Duo
The New York Yankees are focusing much of their attention on acquiring outfielder Juan Soto, with the hopes of securing him for a long-term deal that could extend well over a decade. However, general manager Brian Cashman will also need to address several other gaps on the roster as the team prepares for the 2025 season. One potential solution could come through a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, targeting their infield duo of Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe.
At present, the Yankees have a void on the right side of their infield. Second baseman Gleyber Torres is set to hit free agency, and the team opted not to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 team option. If they successfully land Soto with a deal that could exceed $600 million, filling the remaining roster spots in a cost-effective manner will be essential. Díaz and Lowe could provide a solid and reasonably priced answer to those needs.
Díaz enjoyed an excellent 2023 campaign, earning an All-Star selection and his first Silver Slugger Award. While his 2024 numbers took a slight dip, they remained productive. He posted a .281/.341/.414 slash line with 14 home runs, 31 doubles, 65 RBIs, and 55 runs in 621 plate appearances. Lowe, meanwhile, had a very similar season to his previous year, hitting .244/.311/.473 with 21 homers, 58 RBIs, and 56 runs in 426 plate appearances.
The Yankees could look to capitalize on the Rays’ potential interest in shedding salary this offseason. However, Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller believes Tampa Bay may be reluctant to trade within the division, even though Cashman may still pursue the deal. Miller notes that other teams such as the Mets, Dodgers, and Giants would likely express interest in the pair, but the Yankees could attempt to offer an enticing package, especially given their current infield situation, which seems to be relying on Ben Rice and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Díaz is scheduled to earn $10 million in 2025, the final year of his three-year, $24 million contract. Lowe, whose six-year, $24 million deal was recently extended to $34.5 million after Tampa Bay exercised his $10.5 million club option, also represents a valuable, though somewhat costly, addition for the Yankees’ infield.
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