Yankees trade talks: Twins’ twosome emerges potential targets

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With less than three weeks until Opening Day, the New York Yankees have intensified their pursuit of infield reinforcements. Chris Gallagher of Yankees Digest has suggested the team to explore Minnesota Twins’ Royce Lewis and Willi Castro as possible trade targets.

The organization’s front office has identified third base as a position of immediate need while seeking additional right-handed offensive production to balance a lineup that currently skews left-handed. This development comes as the Yankees finalize roster construction ahead of their March 27 season opener against Milwaukee.

“I know for a fact the Yankees are looking for a right-handed bat that plays either third base or the corner outfield. They know it’s a problem,” veteran MLB insider Joel Sherman reported this week.

Lewis offers Yankees high-ceiling option

Among available candidates, former first-overall draft selection Lewis represents the highest-upside solution, albeit at a potentially steeper acquisition cost. The 25-year-old third baseman experienced a statistical regression in 2024 but maintains considerable long-term appeal:

Lewis batted .233 with 16 home runs and posted a .747 OPS (107 OPS+) last season, down from his career .268 average prior to 2024. Despite the offensive dip, his defensive metrics at third base remained strong, highlighted by elite throwing arm ratings across multiple fielding evaluation systems.

Baseball evaluators remain bullish on Lewis’s future despite his 2024 performance. His contract situation further enhances his appeal to potential suitors like New York, as he earns just $1 million in 2025 with team control through arbitration for three additional seasons.

This combination of potential and affordability explains Minnesota’s substantial asking price, which reportedly begins with Yankees infielder Oswald Peraza and additional pitching prospects.

Castro provides a versatile alternative

While Lewis represents a cornerstone acquisition candidate, Castro offers a more financially modest solution with significantly greater positional versatility. The 27-year-old switch-hitter appeared at six different positions for Minnesota in 2024 while delivering respectable offensive production:

Castro compiled a .247 batting average with 12 home runs, 138 hits, and a .711 OPS (102 OPS+) last season. His 1.6 WAR reflected both offensive contributions and defensive flexibility across infield and outfield positions.

Set to earn $4.5 million in 2025 before reaching free agency following the season, Castro would provide New York immediate roster flexibility while addressing their right-handed hitting deficit.

Yankees’ current third base situation drives trade need

The Yankees’ urgency regarding third base stems from multiple factors, including DJ LeMahieu’s recent calf strain and uncertainty surrounding Oswald Peraza’s development. With LeMahieu expected to miss Opening Day and possibly beyond, the team lacks established options at the position.

Peraza, who has exhausted his minor league options, faces critical spring training as he attempts to secure a roster spot. His inclusion in trade discussions suggests the organization may have determined he doesn’t represent their optimal solution at third base.

The addition of Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base and shortstop Anthony Volpe’s Gold Glove defense have solidified the remainder of New York’s infield, making third base the final position requiring resolution before the regular season.

Trade package considerations

If the Yankees acquire Royce Lewis, he would immediately become the starting third baseman, likely pushing Oswald Peraza into a trade package. Meanwhile, if they acquire Willie Castro, they could use him as a super-utility player who gets regular starts at third base and outfield.

This also raises a key question: Who would the Yankees trade to acquire either player?

• Oswald Peraza (INF): A natural trade chip, as he’s out of minor league options and the Yankees need to find him a permanent role.
• Pitching prospect (TBD): The Twins may ask for an arm in return, given their recent injuries.
• Outfield depth piece: The Yankees could include a fringe outfielder in a package to balance the deal.

If the Yankees prioritize an impact bat, Lewis is the better long-term investment. However, if they are focused on adding versatility without a major trade package, Castro is the smarter, lower-risk move.

Pressure to act before Opening Day

With regular season games approaching rapidly, the Yankees face increasing pressure to finalize their roster construction. The organization has demonstrated a pattern of completing significant transactions throughout the roster-building process, maintaining a willingness to make moves right up until Opening Day.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman’s reputation for deadline-driven deals suggests resolution could come during the final week of spring training as roster decisions force action from both organizations.

After making several significant roster moves during the offseason, including acquiring stars like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt, the Yankees enter 2025 with clear championship expectations. Addressing their third base situation represents the final significant piece in their roster construction puzzle.

Whether they ultimately pursue Lewis’s star potential or Castro’s versatility remains to be seen, but industry consensus suggests the Yankees will add infield reinforcement before heading north for the regular season.

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