Yankees Eye $212M Braves Star as Potential Trade Deadline Target
The New York Yankees may be forced to shake up their third base situation if they want to stay on track for a World Series run. With DJ LeMahieu sidelined due to a spring training injury and Oswaldo Cabrera underwhelming so far in 2024, the Yankees could be eyeing a major move. According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, Atlanta Braves slugger Austin Riley could become a trade target if New York decides to go “all in” at the deadline.
Kuty notes that top prospect George Lombard Jr. is likely untouchable, but suggests the Yankees could still assemble a strong package for a high-impact player—potentially even cherry-picking talent from the Braves if their struggles continue. Atlanta has stumbled to a 4-10 start, and if the slide goes on, they might consider offloading big contracts like Riley’s to reload with young talent.
Riley, a two-time All-Star, signed a 10-year, $212 million contract in 2023. Though his power numbers dipped last season (19 home runs, lowest OPS since 2020), he’s still a major step up from the Yankees’ current third base options. If Atlanta decides to reset, they still boast a strong core with Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II—giving them flexibility to swap Riley for future assets while trimming payroll.
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