The New York Yankees' infield needs a change. The team could target a third baseman, so Jazz Chisholm Jr.can return to playing second base, where he started the season.
The Yankees have been playing DJ LeMahieu at second base. However, he has been a poor defender, which has actually overshadowed his poor play at the plate. LeMahieu's playing at second base is forcing Jazz Chisholm Jr. to play third base, where he admitted he is less comfortable, according to The Athletic's Chris Kirschner.
LeMahieu is not comfortable at third base, according to Kirschner, which is why the Yankees are playing him at second base. However, The Athletic's Jim Bowden noted there is some "buzz" about the Yankees acquiring Luis Rengifo from the Los Angeles Angels.
"Rengifo, 28, is one of the more sought-after Angels because of his positional flexibility and the way he plays the game," wrote Bowden. "He can play second, short and third and will be a free agent after this season. Last year, he slashed .300/.347/.417 with 13 doubles and 24 stolen bases. However, this year he’s batting just .233 with nine doubles, and he’s been caught stealing five times in seven attempts. There’s been some buzz about Rengifo as a possible trade target for the Yankees."
Rengifo is not going to help the Yankees' offense much. However, LeMahieu is not helping at this time either. Rengifo would be a factor in the field. He could take reps away from LeMahieu at second base, or even play at third base in a platoon and allow Chisholm to return to second base.
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Rengifo is not the flashiest option. He is going to be a free agent after the season, and is not really an elite player. He is projected to earn a seven-year, $104 million deal on the open market. Rengifo was a good player offensively last year, but he is not an elite defender. However, the upside of his bat could make him a better option than playing LeMahieu every day.
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