3 possible third-base options for Yankees after DJ LeMahieu's demotion

The New York Yankees pulled the plug on DJ LeMahieu after his production wasn't matching his high salary, and the club finally said enough. LeMahieu has hit two home runs and 12 RBIs while batting .266 in 45 games.

Manager Aaron Boone has put Jazz Chisholm Jr. back at second base, which is more of his natural position, leaving LeMahieu with no other option but to play as a bench player. His demotion from being an everyday player and Chisholm Jr.'s transition from third to second also means that the Yankees will have to find a permanent fix at third base.

Here are three options available for the Bronx Bombers:

3 third-base options after DJ LeMahieu's demotion

#1. Oswald Peraza (internal option)

Aaron Boone has already made this move, inserting Oswald Peraza at third. However, there's a downside to this option as Peraza has struggled offensively this season, hitting to the tune of .157 in 58 games.

He's a low-risk, in-house option but the Yankees will have to rely that he will improve as the season progresses.

#2. Trade for Ke’Bryan Hayes or someone as good

This seems to be the most likely possibility. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees are already pushing to make things happen with Ryan McMahon (Rockies) and Ke’Bryan Hayes (Pirates) surfacing as possibilities.

The Yankees have struggled to put Gold Glove defense and Hayes solves that issue. However, his bat has cooled off recently. He is currently hitting .240 along with two home runs and 10 stolen bases in 85 games.

Nolan Arenado is one other option but no one in the league wants to touch his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals with a ten-foot pole.

#3. Jeimer Candelario (Minor League option)

If the Yankees look at the minor league for an option, they'll find Jeimer Candelario. The third baseman signed a minor league deal with the club after being released by the Cincinnati Reds.

The switch-hitting veteran brings experience and power from the hot corner, having hit 20 home runs last year. However, earlier this season in 22 appearances, he batted .113/.198/.213 with two home runs and 10 RBIs.

For now, it seems Peraza will get the first crack but with the presence of Candelario in the minors and Hayes as a trade target, the Yankees are not done with the position just yet.

About the author

Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.

A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.

A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.

Know More

Edited by Veer Badani

3 possible third-base options for Yankees after DJ LeMahieu's demotion

3 third-base options after DJ LeMahieu's demotion

#1. Oswald Peraza (internal option)

#2. Trade for Ke’Bryan Hayes or someone as good

#3. Jeimer Candelario (Minor League option)

#1. Oswald Peraza (internal option)