Yankees Blockbuster Trade Proposal Brings $24 Million Infielder for Spencer Jones

The New York Yankees might be seeking a keystone improvement.

Second baseman Gleyber Torres has hit free agency following seven seasons in the Bronx, including two All-Star honors in his early career; he might find a deal elsewhere for 2025 and beyond. With some plate problems, Torres found himself in and out of the leadoff role this past season. He led all second basemen with 18 errors, thus guiding defensive efforts the Yankees wish to address moving year.
Should the Yankees proceed from Torres, the trade market might provide a solid successor. Under a one-for–one swap, Michael Brakebill of FanSided offered a significant transaction that would land the Yankees a new second infielder from the Tampa Bay Rays at the expense of Spencer Jones, one of their most promising prospect.
“We saw last season, and the New York Yankees should entice the Tampa Bay Rays to shed payroll further, and pry slugging second baseman Brandon Lowe away,” Brakebill said. “Gleyber Torres is a free agent; the Yanks could use another power lefty that would benefit from the short porch in right field. The fit is clear.”
With 21 homers and 58 RBI, Lowe sliced.244/.311 this past season, closely matching offensive stats to those Torres recorded. But Lowe started 11 games at first base and was error free in 58 games at second base, therefore meeting a demand for the Yankees once Anthony Rizzo left.

Based on recent trades away Tyler Glasnow, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Parades, and Jose Siri since last offseason, the Rays do seem eager in rebuilding around a reduced payroll. Lowe signed a six-year, $24 million agreement with the Rays in 2019; he is guaranteed $10.5 million in 2025 with a $11.5 million club option for 2026 before he enters free agency.

That would probably make Lowe a less expensive choice for the Yankees than returning with Torres will be, and it could force the Rays to relocate him for some future talent this winter.
Though it would be a hefty price to pay, Landing Jones would definitely reflect that future ability. A big outfield player with some resemblance to Aaron Judge, Jones is the second-best prospect on the squad. Although Jones might still be considered “untouchable” by the Yankees, they apparently rejected included him in trade considerations for starter Dylan Cease last offseason.

Nonetheless, the Yankees might be ready to trade Jones in search of a World Series championship if they think Lowe is a major improvement for their infield.

“The Rays are all about having an advanced farm system that can churn out prospects; they could land a good one from the Yankees, who are in all-in mode following lost the World Series this season,” Brakebill said.