Yankees proposed trade idea would land star first baseman from Rays | Sporting News

Should the New York Yankees pivot to a division rival to fill their hole at first base? MLB Network radio analyst Jim Bowden thinks so.

The former Cincinnati Reds general manager and columnist for The Athletic suggests the Yankees should look at Christian Walker as an option.

However, if that deal fails to come to fruition, he suggests the Yankees match up with the Tampa Bay Rays to bring Yandy Diaz to the Bronx.

The Yankees have moved on from veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

They recognize that injuries and age have caught up with DJ LeMahieu, whom they cant count on to be an everyday player in 2025," Bowden wrote.

"Therefore, if they cant sign free agent Christian Walker, perhaps a smaller deal, like a trade with the Rays for Diaz, could make sense." Meanwhile, the Yankees would give up a pair of prospects in the exchange.

"In return, the Rays might be able to land two prospects such as speedy center fielder Brando Mayea and righty Zach Messinger, who could develop into a back-of-the-rotation starter," Bowden wrote.

The Yankees were reportedly interested in acquiring Diaz last July at the trade deadline.

The 33-year-old, who will turn 34 in August, slashed .281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI last season after winning the American League batting title in 2023 with a .330 average.

Diaz is a good, solid professional hitter who has had issues with his shoulder and legs over the last two seasons.

He would be an upgrade over Anthony Rizzo, who the Yankees bought out at the end of the season, and DJ LeMahieu, who is limited by injuries.

The Yankees, however, are looking for another power bat on the corners and that is simply not Diaz, who hit his career-high in homers in 2023 with 22.

Walker fits the profile of what the Yankees need at first better but obviously will come at a higher cost.

Diaz is due just $10 million in 2025 and has a $12 million team option for 2026.

The Yankees could afford Diaz even if they signed superstar free agent Juan Soto to a mega contract.

Bowden suggests it would just cost them prospects.

He thinks the Rays would want to get prospects Brando Mayea, a centerfielder, and right-hander Zach Messinger in return.

More MLB: The Yankees have no plans to bring back Torres or Rizzo.

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