Yankees Would Land Projected $154M Batting Champ in Blockbuster Trade Idea

The New York Yankees have adjusted to life without Juan Soto quite well. General manager Brian Cashman has acquired Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt since losing the 26-year-old to the New York Mets. Will the Bombers’ next target be San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arráez?

Signing Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal fills a hole at first base for the Yankees, but there’s more work to be done on the infield. Second baseman Gleyber Torres is a free agent and seems unlikely to return to the Bronx. Cashman’s options include acquiring a second baseman or finding someone to play third base (like Alex Bregman) and shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base. Just Baseball’s Harrison Bruns named the Yankees as one of the four best trade destinations for Arráez.

“I particularly like the fit of Arráez in the Bronx because of what he can provide hitting in front of (Aaron) Judge,” Bruns wrote. “Last season, the Yankees had Soto to hit in front of Judge. That is going to be impossible to replace. However, a player who is always a threat to win the batting title is a good place to start.”

Arráez is a two-time Silver Slugger winner who has won a batting title each of the last three years with three different teams. He hit .316 in 2022 with the Minnesota Twins before hitting .354 in 2023 with the Miami Marlins. The three-time All-Star split 2024 with the Marlins and Padres while hitting a combined .314.

He’s estimated to earn $13.7 million in 2025, his final year of arbitration. Spotrac has pegged his market value for a long-term deal at nine years and $154 million.

 

Related Posts

Brayan Bello Linked to AL Contender in Potential Blockbuster Trade

IMAGE: Boston Red Sox pitcher Brayan Bello (66) delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. / Gregory J. Fisher…

Ian Happ Stuns Fans With Comments on Future With Chicago Cubs

IMAGE: Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell is seen prior to a game against the Texas Rangers at Wrigley Field. / Patrick Gorski / Imagn Images The Chicago…

Steelers Eye Game-Changing Talent in Free Agency Hunt

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 offseason, and while the spotlight often shines on their need for a franchise quarterback…

Astros Eye Game-Changing Outfielder in Trade Talks This Offseason

IMAGE: Washington Nationals right fielder Daylen Lile (51) hits a solo home run against the Atlanta Braves during the second inning at Nationals Park. / Brad Mills…

Cardinals Eye Familiar Face for Crucial Right-Handed Bat Boost

IMAGE: Imagn Images Spring Training 2026 is in full swing, and the MLB free agency market is still buzzing. Players are finding new homes, while some, like…

Joc Pederson Poised to Transform Rangers After Last Season’s Struggles

IMAGE: Imagn Images Joc Pederson’s Quest for Redemption: A Key to the Rangers’ Success in 2026 The Texas Rangers’ 81-81 record last season left fans pondering what…