As the MLB trade deadline looms, the New York Yankees find themselves in familiar territory: contending in the American League, but still clearly a piece or two away from true World Series favoritism. Despite a strong start to the 2025 season and the continued dominance of Gerrit Cole (post-injury) and Aaron Judge, one area remains a potential Achilles’ heel — the infield.
Whether due to injuries, inconsistency, or underperformance, the Yankees’ infield hasn’t provided the kind of reliability a championship-caliber team requires. DJ LeMahieu has struggled with both health and age regression, Gleyber Torres is in a contract year and remains hot and cold, and while Anthony Volpe is a defensive wizard, his bat is still developing.
If the Yankees want to solidify their place atop the AL East and finally end their World Series drought, they’ll need to make a move — or two — before the deadline. Here are four infielders they should seriously consider pursuing.
1. Luis Rengifo – INF, Los Angeles Angels
Why he fits: Rengifo is a quietly productive utility infielder who brings a little bit of everything — speed, versatility, switch-hitting capability, and sneaky pop. On a struggling Angels team that is likely to be sellers at the deadline, Rengifo could be available for a reasonable price.
He’s capable of playing second, third, and shortstop, which gives the Yankees insurance in case LeMahieu can’t stay healthy or if they want to move Gleyber Torres before his free agency. He also brings a level of energy and athleticism the current infield lacks.
Stat line (as of mid-July 2025): .276 AVG / .335 OBP / 9 HR / 18 SB
Why the Yankees should go for it: Rengifo isn’t a blockbuster name, but he’s a perfect example of a “glue guy” who could prove pivotal in October. Think of him as a modern-day version of Luis Sojo — only faster and younger.
2. Willy Adames – SS, Milwaukee Brewers
Why he fits: With free agency approaching and the Brewers flirting with retooling rather than reloading, Adames could be on the move — and the Yankees should be in line. He brings power, postseason experience, and a steady glove.
While Anthony Volpe is the shortstop of the future (and present), Adames could slot in at third base, where the Yankees are still in flux, or even second base if the team parts with Torres. His leadership and fiery demeanor would also inject some edge into the Yankees’ clubhouse.
Stat line (as of mid-July 2025): .245 AVG / .318 OBP / 17 HR / 54 RBI
Why the Yankees should go for it: Adames could be this year’s version of what Anthony Rizzo was in 2021 — a mid-season injection of veteran presence with playoff polish. If the price is right, it’s a no-brainer.
3. Ryan McMahon – 3B/2B, Colorado Rockies
Why he fits: McMahon is stuck in the abyss that is Colorado’s rebuild, and the Yankees should rescue him. A left-handed bat with 20+ homer power, good plate discipline, and elite defensive metrics at third base, McMahon is a potential solution to the Yankees’ hot corner dilemma.
His contract — signed through 2027 — might seem steep, but for a Yankees team that isn’t afraid of money when it’s tied to production, it’s a worthwhile investment. He’s the kind of player who could thrive in a new environment and in a playoff race.
Stat line (as of mid-July 2025): .262 AVG / .349 OBP / 16 HR / .810 OPS
Why the Yankees should go for it: Not only does McMahon provide production, he gives the Yankees a reliable defensive upgrade at third — something they haven’t truly had since Gio Urshela’s 2019 peak. With Yankee Stadium’s short porch, his lefty bat could play even louder.
4. Ha-Seong Kim – INF, San Diego Padres
Why he fits: The Padres are in an awkward position, stuck between contending and cutting costs. Ha-Seong Kim is their most valuable trade chip — and for good reason. He’s elite defensively, runs the bases well, and has become a consistent offensive contributor.
Kim can play second, third, or short at a Gold Glove level, giving the Yankees the flexibility to mix and match. His on-base skills and defensive prowess are a perfect fit for October baseball, where mistakes are magnified and every run counts.
Stat line (as of mid-July 2025): .271 AVG / .360 OBP / 11 HR / 23 SB
Why the Yankees should go for it: Kim is the complete package. While he’ll cost more than the others in terms of prospects, he might be the only infielder available who actually makes the Yankees better both offensively and defensively the minute he walks into the clubhouse.
Final Thoughts
Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office will have some tough decisions to make. They can stand pat and hope the current infield finds its rhythm, or they can do what legitimate contenders do: identify weaknesses and fix them before October arrives.
The Yankees are good — potentially great — but there’s no margin for error when you’re trying to outlast teams like the Orioles, Astros, and Mariners. Adding a dependable, playoff-ready infielder could be the difference between another early exit and a parade down the Canyon of Heroes.
So whether it’s the versatility of Rengifo, the power of Adames, the steady glove of McMahon, or the all-around excellence of Kim, the Yankees need to make a move. The window is open — and it won’t stay that way forever.
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