Yankees Eye Infield Upgrade at Trade Deadline, Former Orioles Prospect a Potential Target
As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are expected to be active buyers. The key question isn’t if they’ll make a move, but where—will they prioritize a starting pitcher, an infielder, or attempt to address both needs?
Following a telling series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, it’s clear the Yankees need reinforcements. Among their areas of concern, the infield appears to be the most pressing. Fortunately, there are intriguing options on the market.
One such option is Jazz Chisholm, whose versatility at both second and third base could provide flexibility. But a recent trade proposal from Jacob Mountz of Yardbarker suggests another creative path: acquiring Connor Norby of the Miami Marlins, a former top prospect of the Baltimore Orioles.
“The market for an impact third baseman isn’t exactly brimming with opportunity, but there is one glowing option who has emerged in recent days who the Yankees should strongly consider pursuing,” Mountz wrote.
“Miami Marlins third baseman Connor Norby was the Orioles’ No. 7 prospect as recently as last year. In his 2024 rookie campaign, Norby hit .236 with nine home runs in 176 at-bats for the O’s and Marlins, displaying some promising power potential. This season, his power has dipped since returning from injury, but he’s made strides as a contact hitter, slashing .276/.319/.425 with three home runs in 127 at-bats. More recently, Norby appears to be turning a corner.”
Would the Marlins Trade Norby?
It’s unclear whether the Marlins would be open to dealing Norby, especially given his age (24) and potential. He’s shown flashes of becoming a strong contributor at the big-league level, and moving on from him now could be seen as premature. That said, the Marlins have made some puzzling decisions in recent years, leaving the door open to possibilities.
If the Yankees could acquire Norby, they’d be getting a promising young bat who’s currently hitting .261 and earning just $765,000. That’s a low-risk addition with upside—something New York may find appealing.
How Aggressive Will the Yankees Be?
While some have questioned how much financial flexibility the Yankees have left after their offseason spending spree—most notably in the Juan Soto deal—there’s reason to believe they won’t hold back.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yankees are prepared to spend when it matters:
“It’s true that the Yankees’ post-Juan Soto spree left them at the limits of their willingness to spend. In fact, it was no sure thing that they would stretch for Paul Goldschmidt until folks in baseball operations made a strong case for doing so.
But that was the offseason budget. Teams almost always leave payroll in reserve for the trade deadline, and the Yankees are always aggressive when they feel they have the chance to win. I would not expect that to change in a year in which a championship is a reachable goal.”
Is Norby the Right Fit?
Norby may not be a perfect solution—his major league experience is limited, and he’s still developing. But his age, skillset, and affordability could make him an appealing target if the Marlins are willing to deal. For a Yankees team pushing for a championship, taking a chance on a young, controllable bat might be a gamble worth making.
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