Yankees: 6 infield trade targets for the offseason’s final month

6. Jed Lowrie, Athletics

The 33-year-old Lowrie enjoyed another fine campaign as Oakland’s primary second baseman in 2017. He hit .277/.360/.448 with 14 home runs and a career-high 73 walks in 153 games. It was the best all-around season of Lowrie’s 10-year career.

A versatile switch-hitter, Lowrie has logged 508 career games at shortstop, 276 games at second base and 131 games at third base. He’s a valuable player and whether or not Oakland is even willing to deal him depends on how close the A’s believe they are, in their heart of hearts, to contending for that second Wild Card.

Look, if the Twins made it last year, nothing is impossible. The A’s have an intriguing young lineup, and Lowrie is a lynchpin at the top. If Oakland were to deal him, it’s more likely that they do so in July, rather than in January.

But Lowrie will be on every team’s radar. His versatility and experience allow him to slot in as either an everyday infielder or as a reserve. He can bat near the top or bottom of an order. He hits lefties better than righties but can hold his own against almost anyone.

If Lowrie were on the Yankees’ roster right now, he would start, no question. But by the trade deadline, if Torres and Andujar have stepped in as expected, the Yankees might look at Lowrie as an elite bench piece.

Lowrie is owed $6M in 2018, and he’ll hit the open market after the season. He’ll probably cost one decent-to-upper prospect (think German or Thairo Estrada) or a couple of mid-level guys.