The New York Yankees are actively seeking solutions for their third base needs, and a bold trade proposal suggests they could target a former top prospect.
Rucker Haringey of FanSided believes the Yankees could shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base and pursue Jace Jung, a promising infielder from the Detroit Tigers. Haringey’s trade pitch involves the Yankees offering Clarke Schmidt as part of a deal to acquire Jung.
“The Tigers have shown no public interest in trading prized prospect Jace Jung. He is slated to be their starting third baseman for 2025 and beyond,” Haringey explained. “However, Detroit’s need for starting pitching could create an opening. If the Yankees were to offer Clarke Schmidt, it might entice the Tigers to consider negotiations. Jung’s arrival would provide New York with an upgrade at third base while maintaining cost control, a critical factor for Brian Cashman at the moment.”
Haringey also noted that Jung isn’t the only young third baseman the Yankees could target. There are other prospects with upside who might be available for a package including Schmidt. “It would be a major gamble for the Yankees, but it’s the type of bold move Cashman needs to make to create a championship-caliber roster,” Haringey added.
Acquiring Jung would likely require more than Schmidt alone. Still, the 24-year-old could be a game-changer for the Yankees, while the Tigers would benefit from a controllable starting pitcher.
Yankees Explore Bregman Option
General Manager Brian Cashman has also confirmed conversations with Scott Boras about Alex Bregman, the premier free-agent third baseman on the market.
“My job is to explore every option to make us as competitive as possible,” Cashman stated. “Bregman has been a formidable opponent for years. Now that he’s a free agent, he has plenty of choices, and players like him command significant contracts. I’ve had discussions with Scott Boras, but that’s all I’ll say for now.”
Bregman, a two-time All-Star, is expected to secure a lucrative deal in free agency. If the Yankees decide they cannot accommodate such a contract within their payroll, targeting Jace Jung via trade might become the more viable solution.
Tigers Bolster Infield with Gleyber Torres
Meanwhile, the Tigers made their own infield move on December 27, signing Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million contract. Torres, who spent his entire career with the Yankees, will likely become Detroit’s starting second baseman.
With this signing, Colt Keith is set to move to first base, and Spencer Torkelson will transition to a designated hitter or bench role. Torres had a solid 2024 season with the Yankees, hitting .257 with 15 home runs and 63 RBIs.
As the Yankees weigh their options, whether it’s a high-stakes trade or a high-cost free-agent signing, their pursuit of a solution at third base will undoubtedly shape their offseason.
