The New York Yankees have made a major splash ahead of the trade deadline, acquiring star third baseman Austin Riley from the Atlanta Braves in a blockbuster deal aimed at revamping their infield and boosting their World Series hopes.
The trade comes as the Yankees faced instability at third base due to D.J. LeMahieu’s injury and Oswaldo Cabrera’s lackluster performance. Riley, a two-time All-Star, brings power and experience to the hot corner, despite a dip in production last season when he hit just 19 home runs—his lowest since 2020.
The Yankees sent a package of top prospects to Atlanta, though consensus No. 1 prospect George Lombard Jr. was reportedly not included in the deal. The Braves, off to a disappointing 4-10 start, opted to shed Riley’s massive 10-year, $212 million contract signed in 2023 and restock their farm system.
Even without Riley, the Braves remain competitive with stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris II. For the Yankees, this move signals an aggressive push to return to championship form, with Riley expected to make an immediate impact in the heart of their lineup.
