The New York Yankees will almost certainly be searching for a DJ LeMahieu replacement between now and the MLB trade deadline, as the aging, injury-prone veteran is not close to the player he once was.
Of course, actually finding someone to replace him is difficult, as there really aren’t a whole lot of good second or third baseman slated to be available before July 31.
However, a rather intriguing candidate just hit the market, and it’s someone in whom the Yankees have expressed interest in the past: Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario.
The Reds designated Candelario for assignment this week, opening the door for New York to take a swing on the 31-year-old (who is a New York City native, by the way).
Here’s the problem, though: Candelario is earning $16 million this season, and the Yanks would be on the hook for another $13 million in 2025. He also has an $18 million club option for 2026, but that obviously wouldn’t be an issue.
The Yankees have become notoriously conscious of their budget, so simply picking up Candelario off waivers would be a no-go for Hal Steinbrenner and Co.
But could New York work out a trade with Cincinnati and somehow get the Reds to eat some of his contract? Perhaps.
Also, the Yankees can hope that Candelario clears waivers (which is a distinct possibility given his contract), in which case they can add him for virtually nothing. That could be a route the Yankees decide to pursue, which Thomas Carranante of Yanks Go Yard encourages.
Of course, the question then becomes whether or not the Bronx Bombers would even want Candelario, who was just reinstated from the injured list after missing two months with a lumbar spine strain.
The corner infielder was slashing just .113/.198/.213 over 91 plate appearances before getting injured, and he hasn’t been good defensively in years.
Even if the third base market is thin, there will surely be better options than Candelario, who owns a lifetime .726 OPS. Not great for a power position.
