The New York Yankees are preparing for an updated infield alignment as they continue their push in the American League East, where they currently lead by 5.5 games. As early as Tuesday night, DJ LeMahieu is expected to return to second base, his natural position. At the same time, Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has been recovering from an oblique injury suffered in late April, is set to be activated and take over at third base.
Chisholm usually plays second base, but because that spot is now filled by LeMahieu, the team has moved him to third. Reports mention that Chisholm did not favor this switch, although the Yankees are proceeding with the change due to roster needs. Manager Aaron Boone appears determined to keep LeMahieu in the lineup, and the team still supports Chisholm despite his tendency to strike out.
This position adjustment is the result of the Yankees’ infield depth. Without clear space at second base and with Chisholm ready to return, the move to third was the only available option.
- The Yankees may soon feature DJ LeMahieu at second base and Jazz Chisholm Jr. at third as part of a new infield lineup.
- ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggests the Yankees pursue Tampa Bay’s Brandon Lowe, but his stats at Yankee Stadium and position limitations raise doubts.
- Veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman is also rumored as a potential trade target, though roster space may limit his fit.
Brandon Lowe Mentioned as a Trade Target
While adjusting their current roster, the Yankees are also being linked to possible trades. ESPN’s Jeff Passan suggested that the Yankees should consider trading for Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe before the July 31 trade deadline.
Lowe was an All-Star in 2019. This season, he is hitting .251 with 11 home runs, 31 RBIs, and a .725 OPS, which are solid numbers, especially on a Tampa Bay team that has struggled to stay consistent and is currently 30–29. However, Passan pointed out that Lowe has not played third base this year and has only started twice as a designated hitter. He no longer plays outfield, making him a second-base-only player right now.
Because of this, adding Lowe would create a conflict. LeMahieu is back at second, and Chisholm is already moving positions to make room. Unlike Chisholm and LeMahieu, Lowe has never played third base. If the Yankees did trade for him, it would require either benching LeMahieu or changing the lineup again.
Another issue is Lowe’s track record at Yankee Stadium. He has played 39 games there and has a .175 batting average with eight home runs and a .655 OPS. While Passan mentioned that his left-handed swing might benefit from the stadium’s short right-field porch, the numbers don’t support that yet.
There is also a financial factor. Lowe turns 31 on July 6 and has a club option worth $11.5 million for 2026. Compared to other possible trade targets, Lowe may not be a cost-effective choice, especially for a team that doesn’t have a clear position open for him. Unless there are more injuries or the Yankees decide to restructure the roster again, this trade seems unlikely for now.
Mike Tauchman Linked to Yankees Again
Alongside Lowe, former Yankee outfielder Mike Tauchman has also been mentioned in trade discussions. Tauchman is currently with the Chicago White Sox, a team that holds an 18–41 record and is expected to begin trading players as they look toward 2026.
Tauchman had a strong season with the Yankees in 2019, hitting 13 home runs and earning 3.9 bWAR in 296 plate appearances. Now with the White Sox, Tauchman is performing well in limited action. In 53 plate appearances, he’s hitting .372 with two home runs, four doubles, one triple, and a 1.132 OPS. On Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, he added two hits, including a solo home run.
Even with this production, bringing Tauchman back might not be possible. The Yankees do not have an open spot in the outfield unless Jasson Domínguez’s thumb injury, suffered in Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, turns out to be more serious than expected.
Also, Giancarlo Stanton no longer plays in the outfield. He is now a full-time designated hitter. This limits the team’s flexibility to rotate outfielders and give them partial days off. Consequently, the Yankees are unlikely to carry five outfielders on the active roster.
If the team does look to make a move, they may prefer a utility player who can play both infield and outfield when needed. That type of player would replace the injured Oswaldo Cabrera. Right now, Tauchman’s return seems unlikely unless the roster changes due to injury or other trades.
