Yankees Eye $80 Million Star Infielder in Bold Trade Proposal

Yankees Eye $80 Million Star Infielder in Bold Trade Proposal

The University of Alabama is widely known for its dominant football program, having produced 432 NFL draftees over the years. However, the university has also quietly made a mark in Major League Baseball, with 312 players advancing to the big leagues, 155 of whom were drafted since the amateur draft’s inception in 1965.

 

Notably, only five Alabama players have been selected in the first round. The latest addition to this exclusive list is Ben Hess, a right-handed pitcher chosen by the New York Yankees as the 26th overall pick in 2024.

 

Now, a new trade proposal suggests the Yankees might be willing to part with their prized pick to address their infield needs following Gleyber Torres’ move to the Detroit Tigers in free agency.

 

### **Proposed Trade Sends Hess to Tampa Bay**

According to Sporting News reporter Jackson Roberts, the Yankees could package Hess and infielder Jorbit Vivas in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays. In return, the Yankees would acquire Brandon Lowe, a versatile 30-year-old second baseman who has also played first base and corner outfield positions during his seven seasons with the Rays.

 

Lowe, whose current six-year, $24 million contract runs through 2025, has been valued at $80 million over four years on the open market. However, the Yankees would only owe $10.5 million for 2025, with a team option for 2026 at $11.5 million.

 

### **Lowe: A Cost-Effective Solution**

“Despite injury setbacks over the past three seasons, Lowe has consistently delivered when healthy,” Roberts noted. He highlighted Lowe’s .808 OPS/126 OPS+ since 2020, including a stellar 39-home run season in 2021.

 

Hess, meanwhile, is described as an ideal candidate for Tampa Bay’s pitching development program. The 6’5” right-hander boasts a fastball reaching 99 mph but has struggled with injuries and control issues. Tampa’s system could help him regain the form that made him a standout prospect.

 

If the deal moves forward, the Yankees would secure a proven, economical replacement for Torres while the Rays gain financial flexibility and young talent.