The New York Yankees, one of baseball’s top teams this season, are facing a critical decision at second base as the trade deadline approaches. Despite DJ LeMahieu’s return from the injured list, his performance at second base has been inconsistent, raising concerns about his ability to hold down the position for the remainder of the season. LeMahieu, who has played 20 games, is slashing .258/.333/.371, a noticeable step up from last year but far from his peak years when he competed for batting titles and MVP awards. At his age, with signs of decline, the Yankees are exploring options to bolster their infield and improve their World Series chances.
While LeMahieu has been the primary second baseman, he’s not an everyday player, and the Yankees are considering a significant upgrade. Trading for a quality second baseman is challenging due to limited options on the market, but the team has a versatile asset in Jazz Chisholm Jr., who can play multiple infield positions. This flexibility opens the door to targeting a third baseman or even a shortstop who can transition to second base. According to Pinstripe Nation‘s Sara Molnick, the top trade target for the Yankees is none other than Toronto Blue Jays’ All-Star Bo Bichette.
“Bichette has been a consistent offensive force for the Blue Jays, boasting a .278 batting average with 8 home runs and 37 RBIs,” Molnick wrote. “His right-handed bat and ability to play both shortstop and second base make him an attractive option. However, acquiring him from a division rival would likely require a substantial package.”
Bichette, a two-time All-Star and former American League hits leader, is primarily a shortstop but has the skills to slide over to second base as an everyday player for the Yankees. Such a move would shift LeMahieu to a bench role, strengthening the team’s depth. The Yankees’ current utility players, Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, could be replaced by LeMahieu, giving the team a more reliable bench option for the postseason push.
Bichette’s 2025 season has been solid, with a .743 OPS and a resurgence in power. After failing to hit a home run in March or April, he’s smashed eight since May 1, reminiscent of his three consecutive 20-plus home run seasons before last year. However, acquiring Bichette won’t be easy. The Blue Jays, a longtime AL East rival, may hesitate to trade him, especially to the Yankees. With Bichette set to become a free agent after the season, and the Blue Jays’ recent $500 million commitment to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto may struggle to re-sign him if he demands a contract befitting one of baseball’s top shortstops.
If the Blue Jays fall out of playoff contention, they might be forced to consider moving Bichette. For the Yankees, landing him could require a hefty trade package, but his offensive prowess and versatility could be the key to unlocking their World Series potential. While the dream scenario would be LeMahieu rediscovering his elite form, the reality of his age and recent struggles makes Bichette an enticing target. The Yankees appear ready to make a bold move to replace LeMahieu with an All-Star, setting the stage for an explosive second half of the season.