The New York Yankees already took one cornerstone from the Braves this winter, signing Max Fried to anchor their rotation. If Atlanta keeps underperforming, could they go back for another?
That’s the question The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty quietly raised in a recent mailbag , pointing to third baseman Austin Riley as a potential trade target if the Braves slide deeper into mediocrity.
Let’s make this clear that this is an idea that would need the Yankees to continue to stay in contention and the Braves, who got off to a brutal start on the field and with injuries.
So this suggestion makes more sense than it sounds at first.
The Yankees haven’t had long-term stability at third base in years. DJ LeMahieu is just getting ready to start rehab on a strained calf. Oswaldo Cabrera is holding the spot for now, but is valued more as a utility player.
Riley, just 28, is in the middle of a long-term deal that runs through 2032. A two-time All-Star, Riley is a righty who hits for power and brings the kind of postseason resume that fits a win-now roster.
This wouldn’t be a rental, unlike the Yankees’ past deadline moves. It would be a swing at something foundational and generational.
With Gerrit Cole out for the season, Sandy Alcantara has been tops on the wishlist of Yankees fans, but Kuty tried to gently move them back into reality. He points out that the price there starts with George Lombard Jr., now the Yankees’ No.1 overall prospect, and the Yankees traditionally do not trade their top prospects.
Which brings it back to Riley. If Atlanta falls apart — and that’s still a big if considering we’re two weeks into the season — the Yankees could make the call. And if they’re serious, they’ll need to be ready to give up real talent in return. Spencer Jones would probably be in that package, but until he proves he can cut down on the strikeouts that’s not a huge issue.
The Yankees have already shown they’re not afraid to go after Braves talent. Fried was the first.
Riley would be the real statement.
