Yankees Eye Braves’ Austin Riley as Potential Trade Deadline Target Amid Third Base Struggles
The New York Yankees’ current third base situation may not be strong enough to support their World Series aspirations. Entering the season with a plan to split duties between DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera, the team has already run into trouble—LeMahieu’s spring training injury and Cabrera’s underwhelming 2024 performance have raised serious questions.
This could push the Yankees to pursue a bold move at the trade deadline, potentially targeting Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley. According to The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty, Riley is a name to watch if the Yankees decide to go “all in.”
“George Lombard Jr. has climbed several top prospect lists and is now widely viewed as the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect,” Kuty wrote. “He’s likely off-limits in most scenarios. But could they piece together a package for someone like Sandy Alcantara? Not without Lombard. That said, if the Braves continue to stumble, the Yankees might try to pluck someone like Austin Riley.”
Atlanta has stumbled out of the gate with a 4-10 start, and if their struggles continue, they could look to offload high-salary players in exchange for prospects. Riley, who signed a 10-year, $212 million deal in 2023, has the resume of a star—he’s a two-time All-Star and hit 30+ homers in three straight seasons from 2021 to 2023. However, his power dipped in 2024, managing only 19 homers and posting his lowest OPS since 2020.
Despite a dip in production, Riley would still represent a significant upgrade over LeMahieu or Cabrera. And with a roster still loaded with talent—like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II—the Braves might consider moving Riley to add young talent and trim payroll for the future.
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