The New York Yankees have been busy in their quest to strengthen their roster after some offseason setbacks, most notably losing out on acquiring Juan Soto, who ended up with the New York Mets. While the team has made strides in addressing their needs, especially in their pitching staff, there remains significant work to be done on the offensive side of things. The Yankees are looking to solidify their infield for the 2025 season, particularly in the wake of Gleyber Torres’s departure to the Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $15 million deal. This loss leaves a noticeable gap in the Yankees’ middle infield, and the team is now trying to navigate how to best address this void.
The main decision facing the Yankees is where to position their talented but somewhat unsettled player, Jazz Chisholm Jr. Chisholm has shown immense potential throughout his career, but the question remains whether he should be slotted back to his natural position at second base or if he could provide a spark at third base. Recent reports suggest that the Yankees are inclined to return Chisholm to second base, but the team’s plans are still fluid. This would depend on where they land other potential players, particularly a replacement for Torres.
Given this scenario, the Yankees’ front office is exploring several options for filling the infield hole. One of the more intriguing possibilities is acquiring second baseman Gavin Lux from the Los Angeles Dodgers via trade. This idea has been circulating for some time, and reports indicate that the Yankees showed interest in Lux several weeks ago. However, the Seattle Mariners have been more aggressive in their pursuit of the 27-year-old, and it is unclear if the Yankees can outmaneuver them for his services.
While the prospect of a Yankees-Dodgers trade seems unusual given their recent World Series encounter, it’s not entirely out of the question. The two teams have dealt with each other in recent years, including notable trades such as Joey Gallo for Clayton Beeter in 2022 and the exchange of Victor Gonzalez and Jorbit Vivas for Trey Sweeney in the previous offseason. Both teams have a track record of working together on deals, and the Yankees may look to leverage their longstanding relationship with the Dodgers to facilitate a potential trade for Lux.
Lux, who was the Dodgers’ 2016 first-round pick, has shown flashes of his immense talent, though he has yet to fully realize his potential over five seasons with the team. He comes with two years of affordable team control, making him an attractive target for teams like the Yankees looking for low-cost, high-upside players. His relatively cheap price tag also makes him an appealing trade candidate, especially as the Dodgers have added another infielder, Hyeseong Kim, from the KBO to a three-year, $22 million deal.
From a production standpoint, Lux has had a solid but unspectacular career thus far, posting a .252/.326/.383 slash line and .709 OPS in 412 MLB games. While he has flashed power, hitting 28 home runs and driving in 155 RBIs, he is also coming off a torn ACL that caused him to miss the entire 2023 season. He returned in 2024 and played 139 games, slashing .251/.320/.383 with a .703 OPS, 10 homers, and 50 RBIs. What stands out, however, is Lux’s strong second-half performance, where he hit .304/.390/.508 with an .898 OPS, seven homers, and 26 RBIs in 61 games following the All-Star break.
This late-season surge is likely one of the reasons why the Yankees are considering a trade for him. The Yankees would be hoping that the change of scenery and a new environment could help Lux find consistency and further develop his skills. Additionally, Lux’s left-handed bat would add balance to the Yankees’ lineup, which has been heavily right-handed for years. This aspect would provide some much-needed diversity in their offensive attack, as the Yankees have struggled against left-handed pitchers in recent seasons.
Despite his offensive promise, Lux has faced challenges defensively. The Dodgers initially envisioned him as their shortstop of the future, but those plans were derailed by struggles with his defense at the position. Lux has not fared significantly better defensively at second base, where he posted a -2 Outs Above Average in 2024. His defensive shortcomings may prompt the Yankees to look at him as a potential platoon option, especially when facing left-handed pitching. Lux has struggled against lefties throughout his career, posting just a .202 batting average and .552 OPS in 252 at-bats. This makes him a less-than-ideal option for everyday play, but his potential and upside at the plate could make him a solid option if used strategically.
From the Yankees’ perspective, acquiring Lux would be a low-risk, high-reward move. Given his relatively low cost and potential for growth, the Yankees could take a chance on him, hoping that the change in scenery will help him unlock his full potential. If they do not land a star player like Alex Bregman, Lux represents a viable alternative to solidify their infield. While his defensive issues and struggles against lefties make him a less-than-ideal fit as a full-time starter, the Yankees would still be getting a player with significant upside and a good chance of thriving in a new environment.
However, Lux is not the only option for the Yankees. They could also look at internal candidates such as DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza to fill the infield hole. Each of these players brings their own set of strengths and weaknesses to the table, and while none of them may be as tantalizing as an acquisition like Bregman or Lux, they offer the potential for solid production. LeMahieu, who has been a key contributor to the Yankees’ offense in previous seasons, could step into a full-time role if needed, while Cabrera and Peraza are younger players with the potential to grow into everyday contributors.
Yet, with Seattle making a more aggressive push for Lux, the Yankees could find themselves in a bidding war for the second baseman’s services. This could push them to evaluate other alternatives if they cannot secure Lux.
All in all, the Yankees are navigating a critical offseason, and their success in securing a second baseman will go a long way in determining their offensive outlook for 2025. Whether they land Gavin Lux, turn to internal options, or make a trade for another player, the Yankees are in need of filling the gap left by Torres. As their pursuit of a key infielder continues, it will be interesting to see how the Yankees balance the immediate need for production with long-term growth in their roster-building strategy.
