The Yankees’ pinstripes’ are in peril. After the offseason chaos, Juan Soto and Gleyber Torres are no longer donning the interlocked NY logo. Instead, big names like Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger have entered Yankee Stadium. Still, the infield remains a problem area. The third base issue is unresolved and the season’s first game is coming up. Time’s ticking. The budget is tight and the options? Limited. But there’s one shot left, one name coming up for a potential trade – but it will come at the cost of two top-10 players. Will it be worth it? 

The Yankees’ infield issue could affect their championship chances. The third base particularly stands out as a weak link. Even though DJ LeMahieu was once taking care of it, his performance dipped in the 2023 season. Furthermore, his injuries and age sent major red flags. The other in-house alternatives like Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera have potential as fielders and base runners, but their offense is questionable; Peraza lacks MLB experience and Cabrera hasn’t consistently shown starting third baseman potential. Nolan Arenado was a solid fix to this mess. However, the Cardinals weren’t eager to let their star third baseman go and the Yankees didn’t insist. Plus, the financial complexities—Arenado has $74 million to go over the next three years, caused icky vibes on both sides. 

Now as the season’s start comes closer and closer, the Yankees have to make a choice: stick with their current roster and hope for a game-day miracle, or check out other trade options. If their numbers allow, the Yankees’ infield could be saved. Shortstop Josh Smith could be potentially traded in from the Texas Rangers.

Smith isn’t just another guy on the field. The 26-year-old is proving his worth, with a .258 batting average, a .337 on-base percentage, and a .394 slugging percentage in 2024. Smith has hit 13 home runs, drove in 62 RBIs, and knocked 30 doubles. This shows off his power and consistency, and to boot, he’s pretty flexible on the defense side too. Even though, he’s mainly a third baseman, he can handle shortstop or the outfield if needed. The infielder is ranked fifth in the AL in hit-by-pitches with 18 last season. 

Even with his decent stats, the Rangers just don’t need him for all that. Corey Seager is handling the shortstop. And with Josh Jung all better, he will return to the third. With a crowded outfield, the Rangers might squeeze Smith out to make space on the field.

Now to get Smith, the Yankees will have to give up two of their top-10 prospects: Will Warren and Everson Pereira. Warren is a right-handed pitcher drafted in 2021. He comes with a two-seam fastball, a high-spin curveball, and a sweeping slider, best for strikeouts. He posted a 28% strikeout rate in Triple-A, but his ERA was just under 6.00. Adding on, his change-up is inconsistent and weak against lefties. He did climb the Yankees ranks quickly so maybe a change of stadium would do him good. 

On the other hand, Pereira is an outfielder, signed for $1.5 million from Venezuela. There’s no doubt about his raw power. He consistently records some of the highest exit velocities in the Yankees’ system. However, his injuries have disrupted his momentum and his short appearance in the majors last year didn’t go too well—just a .151 average in 93 at-bats. Additionally, he struggles with strikeouts and his plate discipline. But his raw talent is something the Rangers could bet on. 

However, both of their long-term potentials with the Yankees are kind of up in the air. So it makes perfect sense for the Yankees to flip them for Josh Smith, a piece they desperately need.  And as for Texas, they are bringing in some young talent. Warren would be a solid pick for their pitching staff and if Pereira locks in, he might just become Ranger’s long-term outfield solution. Looking at it from the Rangers POV, trading two top prospects for some competitive boost with Josh Smith, an infielder, who’s not strictly needed at his spot, sounds like a good deal.

In the end, the Yankees desperately need someone on the infield, and the Rangers have an extra player. However, are the Yankees ready to gamble with two of its best young players? Maybe. But can they afford to? That’s the real question.

Yankees infield gamble on Josh Smith: Can they afford it?

The Yankees don’t just have roster concerns, they have money problems too. After an offseason full of desperate moves, their pockets are lined thin and the front office is running out of options.

The Yankees lost Juan Soto, one of their key players, to the Mets for a mind-boggling $765 million deal. After this, they brought in Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and even Cody Bellinger. However, building a well-rounded roster came at a hefty price. They have already put in a huge amount of money to strengthen their rotation and outfield, with only a small chunk left now for their infield needs.

With door closed on Arenado, even if the Yankees wanted to make a move to strengthen their infield, they might not have the financial resources to do so. If they want Josh Smith, maybe they can’t have him. FanSided’s Robert Murray asked MLB insider Jon Heyman about the chances of the Yankees bringing in an infielder before Opening Day. Jon Heyman said on a recent episode of  The Baseball Insiders podcast, “Yeah, I don’t see it. The Yankees, I don’t think they’re adding anybody. I’m told they have no money.”

It’s unclear whether the Yankees ownership has spent smartly or is having to cut costs now. Unless the front office maxes out its creativity, possibly by offloading Marcus Stroman’s contract or making another salary dump, the Yankees may end up with no choice but to start the season with what they’ve got. Now, that’s a risky gamble for a team aiming to win the championship, especially when one injury could open up their entire infield to attack. One can only imagine how the Yankees will perform this season.