The New York Yankees are reportedly considering a blockbuster move for Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley to address their ongoing struggles at the hot corner, according to multiple reports. With D.J. LeMahieu sidelined by a spring training injury and Oswaldo Cabrera underperforming, the Yankees’ current third-base platoon has raised concerns about their ability to compete for a World Series title.
Braves’ Slow Start Sparks Trade Speculation
Atlanta’s disappointing 4-10 start to the season has fueled speculation about potential roster changes, particularly if their struggles persist. Riley, who signed a 10-year, $212 million extension in 2023, has seen a dip in production since his back-to-back 30+ home run campaigns (2021-2023), managing just 19 homers in 2024. However, his recent uptick—including a .303 average and a home run in his last five games—suggests he remains a formidable offensive threat.
Why Riley Fits the Yankees’ Needs
Riley’s career .837 OPS and 155 home runs make him an immediate upgrade over New York’s current options. The two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger would provide long-term stability at third base, a position the Yankees have struggled to solidify since Josh Donaldson’s decline. Brendan Kuty of The Athletic notes that Riley’s availability hinges on Atlanta’s willingness to sell, which could depend on their performance over the next few months.
Trade Logistics and Prospects
Acquiring Riley would likely require a significant prospect package, with top Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. potentially off-limits. However, New York’s farm system, ranked middle-of-the-pack by MLB Pipeline, might need to include multiple top-10 prospects and young MLB-ready talent to meet Atlanta’s demands. The Braves, despite their slow start, boast a roster anchored by stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies, which could allow them to retool around prospects if they trade Riley.
Historical Context and Deadline Dynamics
The 2025 MLB trade deadline is set for July 31, marking a return to the traditional end-of-July cutoff after years of variable dates. Riley’s contract, which runs through 2033, would give the Yankees control over a prime-aged slugger (currently 27) as they aim to capitalize on Aaron Judge’s and Juan Soto’s championship window.
Potential Roadblocks
Atlanta’s front office has historically been reluctant to part with core players, but Riley’s $22 million average annual value could appeal to cost-conscious teams seeking financial flexibility. The Braves’ recent history of early playoff exits might also push them to explore bold moves, especially if their 2025 campaign continues to flounder.
Broader Implications
A Riley trade would send shockwaves through MLB, positioning the Yankees as World Series favorites while forcing Atlanta to pivot toward a youth movement. For New York, the move would address their most glaring weakness and signal an “all-in” approach to ending a 15-year championship drought.
As the July deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Atlanta’s performance and whether the Yankees are willing to meet the steep price for
a proven superstar.
