As the trade deadline looms, the New York Yankees are looking to bolster their infield. While Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have powered the Yankees’ offense, the infield production has been lacking. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has proposed a trade that sends Luis Rengifo from the Los Angeles Angels to the Yankees in exchange for Everson Pereira.
“Luis Rengifo has seen regular action at second base, shortstop, and third base during his time with the Los Angeles Angels. The offensive-minded utility man is hitting .305/.354/.413 for a 116 OPS+ with 15 extra-base hits and 20 steals in 62 games,” Reuter noted.
The Yankees’ infield has been plagued with issues. Anthony Rizzo is struggling and currently sidelined with a forearm injury. DJ LeMahieu has not been performing well since his return from the injured list. Gleyber Torres’ production has been below average, leading to his benching on June 26. Rengifo could be a vital addition to help the struggling infield.
Rengifo Bolsters the Yankees’ Infield
The Yankees’ infield ranks 27th in OPS for both second and third base this season. Rengifo’s consistent bat would be a significant upgrade. He also offers potential beyond 2024, as Torres is set to become a free agent this offseason. Rengifo, under team control through 2025, could replace Torres next year.
The Yankees would part with their No. 5 prospect, Everson Pereira, in this trade. Pereira has shown promise at the Triple-A level but faces a crowded path to the majors with the Yankees.
“Outfielder Everson Pereira hit .300/.373/.548 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI in the upper minors last year. He has an .859 OPS with 10 home runs in 40 games at Triple-A this year,” Reuter explained. “The Yankees have a logjam in the outfield and a clear need in the infield, so a one-for-one swap makes sense for both sides.”
Yankees Infield Struggles
Gleyber Torres has posted a .215/.294/.333 slash line in 80 games this season. A rough game on June 25 led manager Aaron Boone to give him a break from the lineup.
“I actually went to bed last night with him in the lineup, slept on it, and toiled over it a little bit this morning,” Boone said. “I just felt like this is a good time to get a little reset. Hopefully, it’s something that serves him well and propels him.”
DJ LeMahieu, who has been playing regularly since returning from the injured list, has also struggled, hitting .178/.274/.178 in 23 games this season. As he is still recovering, there is hope he can turn things around.
Rengifo could provide much-needed offensive support at third or second base, filling in for Torres or LeMahieu. The Yankees may also look to address first base, as Rizzo’s injury and struggles have left a gap in the lineup.
“First baseman Anthony Rizzo has also struggled this season, and he is currently sidelined with a forearm fracture, so finding some infield help figures to be a top priority for the Yankees at the deadline,” Reuter concluded.
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