The New York Yankees are currently in the midst of their worst stretch of the season. Losers of nine of their last 11 games, the Yankees will be in the market for upgrades at the trade deadline, most notably at third base. Houston Astros 3B Alex Bregman could present the Yankees with a formidable upgrade at the position.
The struggles of DJ LeMahieu have made the need for an upgrade urgent
INF DJ LeMahieu has struggled mightily in 2024. After missing the first two months of the season with a foot injury, LeMahieu has looked like a shell of his former self since his return. In 23 games this season entering Friday, LeMahieu managed just a .178 batting average, with a .452 OPS and a measly 41 WRC+. LeMahieu has already hit into six double plays, and his ground ball percentage is over 60%, providing the Yankees with little to no offense since his return.
The veteran infielder’s struggles have heightened New York’s need for a change at third base. Enter Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star, and consistent force in the Houston Astros lineup.
Bregman is heating up following a slow start to the season
Much like LeMahieu, Bregman could also benefit from a change of scenery. This season, Bregman is batting .253, with nine home runs, and a .722 OPS. Bregman has turned up the heat in June, boasting an impressive slash line of .341/.404/.494. In contrast to LeMahieu, Bregman has a knack for hitting the ball in the air, carrying a fly ball percentage of 45.3% and a ground ball percentage of just 39.5%, which could bode well in a Yankees lineup that has been beaten by the ground ball in recent weeks.
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Astros third baseman has been a key member of two World Series-winning teams
Bregman has had a profound impact on the Astros’ playoff dominance since 2017. The 30-year-old has smashed 19 home runs in 362 playoff at-bats, and was an integral part of the 2017, and 2022 World Series winning teams.
After a slow start to the season, the Astros have climbed out of the basement, and gotten back to a .500 record at 40-40. This could impact the availability of many Astros players now that the team is once again competing in the AL West, currently sitting just 4.5 games back of the first-place Seattle Mariners. Nonetheless, if Bregman is available at the trade deadline, expect the Yankees to be aggressive in their pursuit of the next third baseman of The Bronx.