MLB Trade Deadline- 3 players who could replace DJ LeMahieu amid Yankees' ongoing slump

After the Midsummer Classics, DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees were hopeful that they could bounce back from their slump. Their hopes were quickly shattered as they lost back-to-back games against the Tampa Bay Rays.

LeMahieu, who is dealing with a 0 for 17 slump, was benched during the Yankees' 6-4 loss against the Rays on Sunday. After starting the 2024 season late due to a foot injury, he is struggling to regain his form, which has led to a tough .177 batting average.

So far this season, DJ LeMahieu has 22 hits on 124 at-bats with zero home runs and only three extra-base hits, along with 11 RBIs in 39 games. The Yankees infielder has been struggling to hit consistently while batting in the ninth spot of the lineup.

Before the July 30 deadline, the Yankees may look to make a trade to replace DJ LeMahieu. The club has been linked to a few third basemen who could prove to be good additions to cover for LeMahieu.

3 possible trade options who could replace struggling DJ LeMahieu

#1 Matt Chapman

If the San Francisco Giants decide to trade him, Matt Chapman could prove to be a valuable addition to the New York Yankees. Although Chapman’s stats aren’t off the charts, they are much better than what DJ LeMahieu has produced for the Yankees.

This season, Matt Chapman is batting .234/.320/.409 with 13 homers, 65 runs scored, and 43 RBIs across 412 plate appearances. He inked a three-year contract worth $54 million with San Francisco this offseason, with the option to opt-out to enter free agency after the current season.

#2 Luis Rengifo

Another infielder linked to the Bronx Bombers as a potential trade target is Los Angeles Angels player Luis Rengifo. Although Rengifo has been out since July 5 with a wrist injury, he has started doing drills to prepare for his return to the game.

The 27-year-old began throwing, fielding groundballs, and hitting off a tee on Friday, per Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. In 269 plate appearances with the Angels, Luis Rengifo has a slash line of .315/.358/.442 along with six homers and 25 RBIs.

#3 Isaac Paredes

In the New York Yankees' 9-1 loss on Saturday, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes recorded one hit in four at-bats, including a solo home run and two runs scored. According to MLB insider Andy Martino, the Rays are open to considering trade offers for Paredes.

Isaac Paredes, who can play at all infield positions, could be an interesting option for the Yankees to consider. In the 2024 season, he has a .255 batting average with 16 home runs and 51 RBIs in 398 plate appearances.