The New York Yankees might struggle to live up to their World Series aspirations with their current third base situation. They began the season planning to split time between D.J. LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera at third, but LeMahieu’s spring training injury and Cabrera’s underwhelming 2024 performance could push the team toward a major trade, potentially with the Atlanta Braves. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic mentioned Austin Riley as a possible target if the Yankees decide to go “all in” at the trade deadline.
Kuty noted that George Lombard Jr., now widely considered the Yankees’ top prospect, would likely be untouchable in most trade talks. However, acquiring someone like Sandy Alcantara might require including Lombard. As the deadline nears, it’s unclear who will be available, but if the Braves continue to disappoint — they’ve started the season 4-10 — they could be willing to part with expensive players like Riley in exchange for top prospects.
Riley, who signed a 10-year, $212 million deal in 2023, is a two-time All-Star and hit over 30 home runs each season from 2021 to 2023. Despite a drop-off in production last year, with only 19 home runs and his lowest OPS since 2020, he’d still represent a significant upgrade over LeMahieu or Cabrera.
Even if the Braves decide to move Riley, they still have a strong core featuring Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II. Trading Riley could help the Braves cut payroll and build toward the future with fresh talent.
