The New York Yankees have been actively working to bolster their infield ahead of the 2025 season. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and confirmed by Yahoo, the Yankees have “continued to discuss” a trade with the San Diego Padres for infielder Luis Arraez. Additionally, Passan reports that the Yankees have reached out to the Los Angeles Dodgers regarding infielder Gavin Lux.
New York’s infield configuration remains fluid. Paul Goldschmidt is slated to take over at first base, and Anthony Volpe is locked in as the starting shortstop. However, the team still needs to address second and third base, leaving room for potential acquisitions. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is expected to fill one of those spots, while DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera provide internal options.
Yankees exploring infield options with Luis Arraez and Gavin Lux discussions
Luis Arraez, entering his age-28 season, is one of the most reliable contact hitters in baseball. He is set to earn approximately $14 million in 2025 before becoming a free agent after the season.
Arraez made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since established himself as a force at the plate. Last season, he hit .314 across 150 games split between the Padres and Marlins. In 2023, Arraez led the league with a remarkable .354 batting average. Over his six-year career, he has maintained a .314/.346/.392 slash line, emphasizing his value as a high-average, low-strikeout hitter.
While Arraez lacks power—he has only 28 home runs in his career—his ability to set the table at the top of the lineup makes him a coveted target for teams needing stability and production.
The Yankees are also exploring the possibility of acquiring Gavin Lux from the Dodgers. The 27-year-old infielder is coming off a season in which he hit .251/.320/.383 with 10 home runs over 139 games. Lux, who posted a .745 OPS in 2022, missed the entire 2023 season due to injury but has since returned to action.
Primarily a second baseman, Lux offers versatility with experience at shortstop and all three outfield positions. His defensive flexibility could appeal to the Yankees as they look to solidify their roster.
Lux, who will earn close to $3 million this season via arbitration, is under team control through 2026, making him an affordable option for teams in need of infield depth. With the Dodgers’ abundance of infield talent, Lux could be considered expendable, creating an opportunity for the Yankees to strike a deal.
As the offseason progresses, the Yankees appear focused on upgrading their infield to complement their existing core. Whether through a trade for Arraez, Lux, or another target, New York seems determined to address its needs and improve its chances of contention in 2025.
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