The New York Yankees are preparing for the return of DJ LeMahieu, but the team’s cautious approach stems from the veteran’s injury history.

With LeMahieu still in rehabilitation assignment, major league analysts have been speculating on potential trade options for the Yankees before the trade deadline. One name that keeps coming up is Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa.

Although Correa hasn’t been at his best in the early season, connecting his first home run with just five runs batted in and a .184 batting average, his career numbers speak for themselves. In six of his first ten years, Correa has hit at least 20 home runs, and in eight seasons, he has surpassed 20 doubles. His career batting average is .274, with an on-base percentage of .352 and a slugging percentage of .469, giving him an impressive OPS of .821.

Factors to Consider

However, the Yankees must consider several factors before pursuing a trade for Correa. While Correa’s defensive profile is primarily as a shortstop, his contract could be an obstacle. He has a veto clause for any potential trade, and he is contracted to receive $96 million until 2028. Additionally, the Yankees would need to give up some of their top prospects to acquire Correa, given his contract demands.

The Yankees’ Aspirations

Despite these hurdles, the Yankees have high aspirations for the season and could consider aggressive moves if needed. The team is known for pulling off big trades, and Correa could be just the player they need to strengthen their lineup.