The New York Yankees, currently second in the AL East, are preparing to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline to solidify their position in the division. The team is exploring options to improve third base as part of the Paul Skenes Yankees trade plan, aiming to support their postseason aspirations.
Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez is a primary target for the Yankees, as the Diamondbacks lag behind in the NL West and look likely to sell off key players. This situation makes Suarez a plausible acquisition before the month ends. However, given ongoing uncertainties, the Yankees are monitoring alternatives to ensure they address the hot corner effectively.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Considered a Reliable Backup Option
MLB insider Joel Sherman highlighted Pittsburgh’s Ke’Bryan Hayes as a solid fallback choice if an agreement for Eugenio Suarez falls through. Hayes’s defensive value is highly regarded, and Sherman compared him to former Yankees third baseman Scott Brosius to emphasize Hayes’s potential impact.
“I think they (Yankees) should do what they can to try to get (Eugenio) Suarez,” Sherman said on Friday, via “The Show.” “He so obviously fits their needs is Ke’Bryan Hayes. I see a Scott Brosius there. First of all, (by getting Hayes in) I know I lock down the defense.”
“He’s as good a defensive third baseman as you will find. I think if Hayes moved someplace else (out of Pittsburgh), you’d get more (value for him) because you’d say ‘Hey, hit .240 and play the hell out of defense.'”
The Pittsburgh Pirates, struggling at the bottom of the NL Central, are expected to be sellers at the deadline. This context increases the feasibility of a trade involving Hayes, offering the Yankees a chance to bolster their infield defense effectively while managing uncertainties around Suarez’s status.
Why Eugenio Suarez Remains the Preferred Choice for the Yankees
Despite Hayes’s appeal, the Yankees are focused on acquiring Eugenio Suarez due to the team’s offensive needs at third base. Oswald Peraza, while praised for his defensive skills, has not delivered consistent hitting, which leaves room for improvement at the position.
Suarez has produced 31 home runs and 78 RBIs this season, numbers that represent a meaningful offensive upgrade over current options. His ability to contribute significant power aligns with the Yankees’ strategy to enhance run production from the hot corner, aiming to improve their chances of maintaining a division lead in the competitive AL East.
Implications for the Yankees’ Season Moving Forward
The Yankees’ pursuit of Eugenio Suarez, with Ke’Bryan Hayes as a contingency plan, reflects a balanced approach to address both offense and defense at third base. Securing either player could impact the team’s performance during the second half, potentially influencing their postseason trajectory.
As the trade deadline nears, the Yankees’ front office faces critical decisions to reinforce the roster and keep their division ambitions on track in a demanding AL East environment.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has anyone found the Paul Skenes?
A. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A young collector, aged 11, in California discovered a unique Paul Skenes baseball card. The Pittsburgh Pirates offered 30 years of home plate season tickets as a trade.
Q. How much is Paul Skenes getting paid?
A. Paul Skenes worked his way up through the MLB’s minor leagues and played his first major league game in 2024. He received a signing bonus of $9.2 million in 2023. In 2024, he agreed to a one-year contract with the Pirates, earning an annual salary of $740,000, before arbitration starts.
Q. Did anyone find Paul Skenes’ baseball card?
A. An 11-year-old collector in Los Angeles discovered a rare Paul Skenes autographed patch card, which Topps said will be sold at an auction.
Q. How much does Paul Skenes get paid?
A. Paul Skenes progressed through the MLB’s minor league teams and made his major league debut in 2024. He received a $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023. In 2024, he joined the Pirates with a one-year contract, earning a yearly salary of $740,000 before arbitration.