Yankees Trade Proposal: Yankees set to swap top 5 prospect with the Los Angeles Angels.

With the trade deadline drawing near, the New York Yankees have some needs to meet. The Yankees’ offense has been powered by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, but there is still room for improvement in the infield production. In exchange for Everson Pereira, the Los Angeles Angels would send Luis Rengifo to the Yankees according to a trade proposal from Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.

During his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, Luis Rengifo has played frequently at second base, shortstop, and third base. The offensive-minded utility guy is batting.In 62 games, he hit 305/.354/.413 for a 116 OPS+, adding 15 extra-base hits and 20 steals, according to Reuter.

Already having trouble, Anthony Rizzo is presently unable to play due to a forearm injury. DJ LeMahieu has had difficulties ever since coming off the injury list. Due to his below-average output, Gleyber Torres was benched on June 26. Rengifo might be a valuable addition to a struggling infield.

Rengifo Supports the Infield of the Yankees
Reuter claims that the Yankees’ on-base percentage (OPS) from second and third base, respectively, is the 27th best this season.

Rengifo would provide a reliable bat to an infield that was in dire need of one. Considering that Torres will be a free agency this offseason, he might also be useful after 2024. Rengifo is superior to all of the Yankees’ current second and third base starts in terms of average and OPS.

Reuter stated that Gleyber Torres, an incoming free agent, might have a built-in replacement in the 27-year-old as he is controlled through 2025.

With Pereira, the Yankees would be giving up their No. 5 prospect. He’s produced work that is Triple-A caliber. He might not be able to get to the big league team directly, though.

“In the upper minors last year, outfielder Everson Pereira hit.300/.373/.548 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI. This year, in 40 games at Triple-A, he has an.859 OPS with 10 long balls,” Reuter reported. “It makes sense for both sides to trade players one for one as the Yankees are stuck in the outfield and have a clear need on the infield.”

The Yankees’ Infield Issues
In 80 games this season, Torres’ slash line stands at.215/.294/.333. On June 25, he had a difficult game that finally forced manager Aaron Boone to remove him from the starting lineup.

Boone stated, “I actually slept on it last night and worked on it a little bit this morning. I went to bed with him in the lineup.” I simply thought that now would be a good time for a quick reset. Ideally, it’s something that helps and advances him.

Since coming off the injured list, DJ LeMahieu has played a regular role in the team. But he has also had difficulty at the plate. In 23 games this season, he is batting.178/.274/.178. Still recovering from his injuries, the 35-year-old has the potential to make a difference.

In lieu of Torres or LeMahieu, Rengifo may provide the team a second or third base alternative as well as some offensive punch. The Yankees might seek first base at the deadline as well. Rizzo struggled even when he was healthy, and he is currently injured.

“As first baseman Anthony Rizzo has also struggled this season and is out with a forearm fracture, the Yankees will likely prioritize acquiring some infield help at the deadline,” Reuter stated.