The New York Yankees’ current third base situation might not be strong enough to support their World Series ambitions. They entered the season planning to rotate D.J. LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third base, but LeMahieu’s spring injury and Cabrera’s underwhelming performance in 2024 have cast doubt on that strategy.
This uncertainty could push the Yankees to make a major move at the trade deadline, potentially targeting Atlanta Braves star Austin Riley. According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, Riley is the kind of player the Yankees might pursue if they decide to go “all in.” Kuty also noted that while top prospect George Lombard Jr. is likely untouchable, acquiring elite talent like Sandy Alcantara would probably require including him in any deal. However, a trade with the Braves could be more feasible—especially if Atlanta continues to struggle.
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The Braves have stumbled out of the gate with a 4-10 start to the season, and if the trend continues, they may be open to dealing high-salary players like Riley in exchange for promising young talent. Riley is under a 10-year, $212 million contract signed in 2023 and has been a key figure in Atlanta’s lineup, hitting over 30 home runs each season from 2021 to 2023. Although he hit just 19 home runs last year and posted his lowest OPS since 2020, Riley would still represent a significant upgrade over LeMahieu or Cabrera.
Even if the Braves do consider moving Riley, their roster remains stacked with stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II. Trading Riley for prospects could help them reset financially while still maintaining a competitive core for the future.
