MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees have a plan B to replace DJ LeMahieu

The New York Yankees have been one of the quietest teams in the MLB offseason thus far. They haven’t signed any starting pitcher despite the fact that Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happand James Paxton are all free agents, and the same can be said about DJ LeMahieu.

Keeping LeMahieu in the Bronx is said to be their priority, though. However, it seems like they’re unwilling to meet his conditions, as they don’t want to sign him to a 5-year deal nor pay him the $25 million per year he wants.

So, even if LeMahieu is also reportedly interested in coming back to The Big Apple, he’s also drawing a lot of interest from crosstown rivals New York Mets and AL East foes Toronto Blue Jays.

That’s why MLB.com’s Matt Kelly proposed a plan B for the Bronx Bombers in the case they can’t reach an agreement with the reigning AL Batting Champion. In this scenario, they’d trade for his former teammate Trevor Story.

Yankees Could Trade Clarke Schmidt And Adam Ottavino For Trevor Story

“The Yankees and DJ LeMahieu are reportedly engaged in talks to keep the 2020 American League MVP Award finalist in the Bronx, but they’re apparently a good distance apart on contract specifics. If LeMahieu were to sign elsewhere, what better replacement in the lineup than his former double-play partner in Colorado? Trading for Story would also enable Gleyber Torres, naturally a second baseman, to move back to his optimal position,” the report started.

“The Rockies, meanwhile, need pitching. So why not bring back a familiar face in Ottavino (…) and Schmidt, the Yankees’ No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline (No. 83 overall), has a two-seam fastball with good sink (ground balls are a good idea if you pitch at Coors Field) and he has demonstrated solid control (“walks will haunt” and all that, but magnitudes worse at Coors),” he concluded.

Trevor Story would be a fine addition to the Yankees, for sure. He’s a solid batter and outstanding defender, and his presence would allow Gleyber Torres to go back to his usual position rather than ‘suffering’ at shortstop with his shaky defense.

Then again, perhaps the price is too steep for Trevor. The Yankees should be wary of trading away one of their veteran relievers, let alone one of their most promising prospects. But hey, you have to be aggressive if you want to win.