Yankees Hot Stove Rumors: Versatile Luis Arraez and Brendan Rodgers emerge as key targets

The New York Yankees continue to mull all possible infield options. They'd prefer to add one more to the current configuration of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe and Paul Goldschmidt. Volpe will play shortstop and Goldschmidt will man first with Chisholm taking either second or third.

After initially being in on Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado for the hot corner, New York has shifted its focus to cheaper options at second base. They've reportedly been talking to the San Diego Padres about Luis Arraez.

The Athletic's Brendan Kuty said of Arraez:

"He’s a poor defender at second base, doesn’t rate well as a base runner, and has little pop, having slugged just four homers last year. But he has strong numbers as a leadoff hitter, which the Yankees need."

Another option the Yankees have mulled is Brendan Rodgers, who was non-tendered by the Colorado Rockies. He's not an inspiring option right now and also isn't a stout defender at second base.

The Yankees moved on from Gleyber Torres partly because of his poor defense, so those two options don't seem as likely right now. Kuty listed some other options: Ha-Seong Kim, Kike Hernandez and Whit Merrifield.

The Yankees could also go with an internal option. Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera can both play either second base or third base.

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Primary return emerges in potential Luis Arraez deal

If the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees are going to make a deal, which certainly isn't imminent, then they're going to have to agree to the terms. Reportedly, the primary return the Padres are looking for is Marcus Stroman.

The Padres want Marcus Stroman (Imagn)

The pitcher signed with the Yankees offseason but didn't have a great first season in pinstripes. They reportedly offered him to the St. Louis Cardinals in a Nolan Arenado deal, but it was rejected.

These two sides aren't close to getting a deal done, but Arraez going to the Yankees and Stroman to the Padres seems to be the most likely outcome if this comes to fruition.

The Padres need starting pitching, and if Arraez is expendable, this trade makes a lot of sense for both sides.