The Los Angeles Dodgers traded Gavin Lux to the Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees missed out on Lux, but it could mean they can focus on an even better second base option.

the Yankees have continued to discuss Luis Arráez with the Padres and checked in on Lux. With Lux off the board, the Yankees might be better off now that they can focus solely on Arraez,

“In recent days, the New York Yankees discussed trades for two second base options: Gavin Lux of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Luis Arraez of the San Diego Padres,” wrote Mountz. “With Lux now headed to Cincinnati, Arraez remains their sole current infield target – and that may be great for the Yankees.”

Arraez is a three-time All-Star and a three-time batting champion. He would be a great addition to the Yankees offense, taking over the leadoff spot.

“In 2024, Arraez slashed .314/.346/.392/.739 with four home runs through 637 at-bats, posting an NL-best 200 hits,” wrote Mountz. “The past three years saw the coveted infielder hit .316, .354 and .314 respectively, winning Silver Sluggers in 2022 and 2023. Arraez is not a feared home run hitter, the kind that the Yankees love to stack the lineup with, though the short right porch will help him boost his meager power numbers at least a bit. Still, Arraez brings more to the table than just his stellar batting averages; during his stretch of winning three batting titles, his doubles totals have not dipped below 30.”

Arraez will be a free agent after the season and has played on three teams in the last three seasons. The Padres could be interested in trading him if they do not feel they will bring him back in free agency after the season.