Yankees Complete a Three-Team Trade to Equip $90 Million Infielder

The fact that experienced third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s foot injury was only a bone bruise rather than a broken or fractured bone may have saved the Yankees from further harm. However, LeMahieu’s bone bruise is severe enough to prevent him from playing during the season. As a result, the Yankees made a three-team deal on Wednesday, less than 30 hours before Opening Day in Houston, out of concern for infield depth in general.

In order to replace LeMahieu at third early in the season, the Yankees acquired experienced utility player Jon Berti from the Marlins. However, Berti has expertise in the outfield and can play all over the infield. Berti has made 119 starts at third base, 85 starts at second base, and 86 starts at shortstop in six seasons. He has 63 outfield game starts under his belt.

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The Yankees had to send 26-year-old backup catcher Ben Rortvedt to Tampa Bay and 18-year-old outfield prospect John Cruz to the Marlins in order to finalize the trade. Outfielder Shane Sasaki was another prospect traded by the Rays to the Marlins.

Yankees Gain Vital Depth Despite DJ LeMahieu’s Injury

Manager Aaron Boone, who was worried about the lack of bench depth that could have been revealed with the loss to LeMahieu—a three-time All-Star who inked a six-year, $90 million contract with the team in 2021—was somewhat reassured by the addition of Berti.

“I’m very happy about this. According to The Athletic, Yankees manager Aaron Boone stated on Wednesday, “I feel like we’re getting a really good player.” DJ is a big part of the third base mix, even with him down.

“Hopefully, he fills the role of a player who can play all around the infield and even some outfield when we’re all together. I believe he’s going to be a really excellent addition for us, whether he plays in an everyday role or in that utility role. He’s a quality hitter who can steal a base and hit to the ball well.

Berti has a career batting average of.258 and an on-base percentage of.337. With 41 stolen bases two years ago, he led the National League in stolen bases. Last year, he hit a career-best.294. In six years, he has taken 92 items, only being apprehended 20 times.

A Pleasureful Laugh for Aaron Boone

Boone had been considering the possibility of using Oswaldo Cabrera as the starting third baseman in LeMahieu’s absence prior to the Berti trade. However, having to deploy Cabrera every day at third would have worn down the Yankees bench because he is the team’s best backup shortstop and first baseman.

For a club that is unquestionably top-heavy, that was a serious worry. However, the Yankees should benefit both now and down the road by signing a quality utility player like Berti.

“Just a few hours ago, I was worried about how we were going to manage our bench and our depth in the infield,” Boone stated. “I think that’s much better now.”

LeMahieu, on the other hand, will begin the season on the disabled list. The Daily News reports that Boone was questioned on Wednesday about whether he thought LeMahieu’s absence would be brief but did not provide an update on his condition.

“Hopefully, but I’m not sure. Considering that I wouldn’t say he was shut down,” Boone remarked. “I am aware that the day he went out for some ground balls, it wasn’t the best. We want the pain to be something you can handle because it’s still there. I’m not sure if that will translate into hitting and fielding in a few days. However, I am aware that his attempt the other day wasn’t successful when he went out.