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After an eventful offseason in Major League Baseball (MLB), the New York Yankees have done an impressive job rebuilding their roster following the loss of superstar Juan Soto in free agency. With most of their key positions now filled, the Yankees are reportedly eyeing a major trade to shore up the final pieces of their lineup, particularly in the infield.
Yankees’ roster overhaul: Filling key needs
ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently revealed that the Yankees have set their sights on acquiring San Diego Padres infielder Luis Arraez, a move that could elevate their lineup further. This trade would be a significant step for the Yankees, who have already made several high-profile additions.
According to Passan, the team has made substantial upgrades, including signing left-hander Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal, trading for closer Devin Williams, and securing centre fielder Cody Bellinger.
In addition to these moves, the Yankees also signed veteran slugger Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million contract. The team added depth to their bullpen through both trades and free-agent acquisitions.
While these moves have made New York's roster considerably stronger, the Yankees are not finished yet. Passan notes that the team is still in discussions with the Padres regarding Arraez and has also inquired about Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Gavin Lux as a potential target.
Luis Arraez: A three-time batting champion with a consistent bat
Luis Arraez, who has won three batting titles with three different teams, is known for his incredible consistency at the plate.
Throughout his six MLB seasons, Arraez has maintained a career slash line of .323/.372/.418 and an OPS+ of 118, signalling his ability to perform well above the league average. Though he may not be an elite defender, Arraez brings a solid bat to the lineup that could complement the Yankees’ offensive strength.
At 27 years old, Arraez is expected to earn around $14 million for the 2025 season, making him an affordable option for the Yankees. What makes this trade even more attractive is the likelihood that the Yankees wouldn’t need to part with their top prospects to secure the talented infielder.
Yankees’ ambitions for the 2025 season
With a deeper, more well-rounded roster, the Yankees are positioning themselves for a successful 2025 season. Adding a player like Arraez could help solidify their infield, giving them a formidable lineup across all positions. The team’s aggressive approach to improving their roster and their ongoing pursuit of top-tier talent demonstrates their commitment to competing at the highest level.
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