The New York Yankees are in a critical stretch of the 2024 season, aiming to capitalize on the remaining prime years of their star slugger Aaron Judge. With a 56-46 record, they remain in playoff contention but have lost ground in the AL East to the surging Toronto Blue Jays. In their pursuit of a World Series title, the Yankees are targeting a significant upgrade at third base, a position that has long troubled the franchise. Their focus keyword — Yankees seek upgrade over McMahon — perfectly captures the urgency as they prepare for upcoming trade deadline moves.

Challenges at Third Base Push Yankees to Consider High-Profile Alternatives

Though pitching has been a concern, the most pressing need for New York is clearly on the hot corner. Despite exploring options like Ryan McMahon and other internal candidates, the Yankees’ leadership, including GM Brian Cashman, appears determined to find a player who can provide a better balance of offense and defense. MLB insider Jim Bowden recently shared insights indicating that the Yankees’ analytical and scouting teams are not fully satisfied with the current options.

“I think they wanna do better than McMahon. Look, Ryan is not the same guy he was three years ago,” Bowden said. “I get the feeling that the Yankees love Suarez’s power; they don’t love the defense. Analytic department doesn’t love Hayes or McMahon. It doesn’t mean the scouts wouldn’t take a chance on them.… Remember, the expectations in New York is to win a World Series or bust, not just beat Toronto and win the AL East; they’re trying to win a World Series. So I think they’re shooting for better; they’re shooting for the Suarez, or Maikel Garcia, or Mark Vientos, or that next level above McMahon, above Hayes.”

—Jim Bowden, MLB Insider

Examining the Leading Candidates for the Yankees’ Third Base Spot

Among potential trade targets, Pablo Suarez stands out as the premier option due to his impressive power numbers this season. The 34-year-old slugger has hit 36 home runs and driven in 86 runs over 101 games, making him highly sought after by several playoff contenders. However, acquiring Suarez will demand a substantial trade price, reflecting his offensive value.

Another possible fit is Maikel Garcia from the Kansas City Royals. Garcia earned his first All-Star nod this year and offers a combination of reliable defense and smart plate discipline—qualities that the Yankees would welcome at third base. His contact skills and steady approach could help offset recent struggles by other players in the lineup.

Mark Vientos, currently with the New York Mets, is also in the conversation, though his 2024 campaign has been underwhelming compared to previous years. While Vientos demonstrated noteworthy power last season with 27 homers and 71 RBIs in 111 games, his defense remains a weakness, making Garcia a more suitable candidate if New York prioritizes defensive stability.

Both Garcia and Vientos represent intriguing but less likely options to be traded, especially compared to Suarez, McMahon, or Brandon Hayes, who have already been the subject of trade rumors. The Yankees’ preference leans toward finding a player who can contribute immediately at a high level, rather than waiting on developmental upside.

Strategic Implications for the Yankees’ Playoff Aspirations

The Yankees’ clear ambition is to secure a third baseman who can help push the team beyond merely competing for the division and toward winning the World Series. While Ryan McMahon has been linked to New York in the past, and Brandon Hayes also appears in trade speculations, the front office understands that incremental upgrades will not suffice. The pressure is on to make a bold move before the deadline that improves both offense and defense.

The decision will test Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ ability to negotiate in a competitive market, where multiple playoff contenders covet players like Suarez. The outcome could shape how deep the Yankees can push in October and whether they can end their championship drought dating back to 2009. For a team searching for the right balance to complement Aaron Judge, investing in an elite third baseman could prove pivotal as the season’s critical moments approach.