The New York Yankees are likely to shut down third baseman DJ LeMahieu from baseball training and he will open the season on the injured list. His MRI reports indicated a Grade 1 or 2 calf strain, which is likely to keep him away from playing at least for a few weeks following meeting with team doctors on Thursday.
As injuries continue to decimate the New York Yankees’ roster, a potential trade solution has emerged that could help stabilize their increasingly vulnerable infield situation. New York Post columnist Joel Sherman has proposed a trade that would bring Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo to the Bronx.
Yankees’ trade proposal details
Sherman, who has covered the Yankees for 36 years, outlined a potential deal in his Tuesday column that would send outfielder Trent Grisham, reliever Ian Hamilton, and either infield prospect Oswald Peraza or pitching prospect Yoendrys Gomez to the Angels in exchange for the versatile Rengifo.
The financial aspects of the proposed trade nearly balance out, with Grisham set to earn $5 million in 2025 on his one-year contract, while Rengifo will make $5.95 million in the final year of his deal.
“Why would the Angels do this?” Sherman wrote. “Rengifo is a free agent after this season. The Angels signed Yoan Moncada to play third base.”
Angels’ fast tracking of prospects opens possibility
Another factor potentially making Rengifo expendable for the Angels is their aggressive approach to promoting top draft picks. The organization has developed a reputation for rapidly advancing first-round selections to the major leagues.
After promoting 2022 first-rounder Zach Neto (13th overall) after just 28 minor league games and 2023 selection Nolan Schanuel (13th overall) after only 22 games in the minors, the Angels appear poised to continue this trend.
“You know who is the talk of the Angels’ current camp?” Sherman noted. “Brooklyn native Christian Moore, a second baseman taken eighth overall last year who has played 25 minor league games.”
Moore, according to Sherman, has impressed enough that he could potentially break camp with the major league club, further reducing the Angels’ need for Rengifo.
Rengifo’s suitability with Yankees
The 28-year-old Rengifo would provide the Yankees with much-needed infield versatility and offensive production, particularly against left-handed pitching where the switch-hitter has excelled.
Rengifo sports a career .771 OPS against southpaws, which represents a significant upgrade over the Yankees’ team performance against left-handers last season when they managed just a .721 OPS as a team.
The Venezuelan native posted a respectable .763 overall OPS last season before his campaign was cut short by a right wrist injury that ultimately required season-ending surgery in August.
Concerns over Rengifo’s injury history
While Rengifo’s injury history presents some risk, recent reports suggest he has fully recovered from last year’s wrist surgery.
“I had a normal offseason,” Rengifo told MLB.com. “I feel good and ready to go.”
He added that his goal is to be available for every game this season, though whether those games will be played in Anaheim or the Bronx remains to be seen.
Will the Yankees’ pull the trigger?
The Yankees’ need for infield reinforcements has grown increasingly urgent as injuries continue to pile up. LeMahieu’s calf injury, announced Monday, comes at a particularly challenging time with Opening Day less than three weeks away.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the team’s injury situation during Tuesday’s press conference. He said the team was dealing with challenges but emphasized his continued belief in the group and their ability to weather the current storm.
The Yankees have relied heavily on their organizational depth in recent seasons, but the current wave of injuries combined with Torres’ departure has left their infield particularly vulnerable. Rengifo’s ability to play multiple infield positions makes him an especially attractive target.
A trade for Rengifo would give the Yankees a proven major league infielder who can play second base, third base, and shortstop while providing above-average offense against left-handed pitching.
Baseball analysts believe such a move would address immediate needs without sacrificing the team’s long-term flexibility, as Rengifo’s contract expires after the 2025 season.
Whether General Manager Brian Cashman acts on a proposal similar to Sherman’s remains to be seen, but with roster issues mounting and the regular season rapidly approaching, the pressure to make a move continues to build for a Yankees team with championship aspirations.
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