Yankees could steal underrated infielder from division rival in surprise trade

Aaliyan Mohammed

Yankees could steal underrated infielder from division rival in surprise trade image

The New York Yankees could be in the market for a third baseman around the trade deadline, and could find one on the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays could have an infielder available when Adrés Giménez returns from the injured list.

Giménez's return will likey force Addison Barger out of the infield. However, FanSided's Vanessa Serrao thinks the Yankees could use Barger before he gets moved out of the Blue Jays' infield.

"Addison Barger is a young player, 25, with a lot of potential," wrote Serrao. "While Barger is a backup third baseman with the Toronto Blue Jays, he's providing solid value to the team this season (0.6 WAR). Barger has enhanced the Blue Jays' lineup this season and provides versatility.

"This means the Blue Jays may not be so interested in trading him to the Yankees. The Blue Jays also don't have a consistent third baseman right now, but they might be willing to let him go if they get something solid in return."

Barger would likely be moved to the outfield when Giménez returns, putting Ernie Clement back at third base. However, on the Yankees, Barger could be the everyday third baseman. Oswaldo Cabrera was the team's third baseman before his ankle injury. With Cabrera out, likely for the year, the Yankees need an answer at third base.

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Barger has a .701 OPS this season, appearing in 31 games. The Yankees would be able to give him a shot at third base as they look to repeat as American League champions. He could even be a long-term option.

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Aaliyan Mohammed

Aaliyan Mohammed is a sports journalist who graduated from Mississippi State University. He covered MLB prospects for MLB.com. He has also spent time covering the Green Bay Packers as well as college sports in the SEC. His work features interviews with Gilbert Brown, Andre Rison, Mike Leach and multiple MLB executives.