Confirmed deal : Yankees could target first base upgrade in trade with San Francisco

The New York Yankees added Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, but they still need to add another bat in the infield. They are currently in the market for a third baseman and a first baseman. Theoretically, Bellinger could play first base if they don’t make a move there, but they would probably prefer him to play the outfield.

 

New York has expressed interest in top free agents at the position such as Pete Alonso and Christian Walker, but they could also surf the trade market for options. ESPN’s Jeff Passan listed San Francisco Giants first baseman LaMonte Wade Jr. as a potential trade target.

“The teams in need of a first baseman include some of the biggest in baseball: the Yankees, Mets, Astros, Arizona and Seattle. But as long as teams believe [Josh] Naylor and Wade are available, they can stand firm on free agents and threaten to — or actually — pivot to trades,” Passan wrote.

 

Wade is someone who can be a backup plan in the event that they strike out on Alonso or Walker. The 30-year-old has demonstrated versatility as both a first baseman and an outfielder and has also displayed some raw power in his career. In 2021, he hit 18 home runs in 109 games, and he hit 17 homers in 135 games in 2023.