Having won eight out of their last nine games, the New York Yankees are flying high. With pitchers, hitters, fielders, and even catchers going strong this regular season, the Yankees have not looked more sorted lately. However, before the MLB trade deadline ends, the Bombers must fill the remaining gap in their roster. The Brian Cashman-led front office is already on the hunt for a third baseman and another starting pitcher. With Gerrit Cole missing the entire season due to Tommy John surgery and DJ LeMahieu not playing his best ballgame, the Yankees are forced to look for options beyond their current roster. However, until the deadline arrives, the Yanks are somewhat relieved to get their hands on their dynamic infielder, who is set to rejoin the group.

Earlier this year, when the Yankees locked Jazz Chisholm for another year with a 1-year, $5.85 million contract, he covered second base at the Bronx. But an injury on April 29 against the Baltimore Orioles put the Bahamian slugger on the injured list. He left in mid-game with an apparent right oblique discomfort. The MRI revealed a high-grade strain that has three tears.

Now, a month later, Chisholm has signaled to the Yankees that he’s ready to be back on the field. In fact, by Thursday, the 27-year-old can begin a rehab assignment with the Somerset Patriots, a Double-A affiliate of the Yankees. Earlier this week, Chisholm also confirmed that he is ready to launch moonshots again. In fact, it came to light that Chisholm wanted to skip the rehab and return early.

On May 26, Chisholm took to Instagram and posted a confident five-word message to his 414k followers. “We gon have a problem,” Chisholm wrote while doing batting practice. However, the Yankees’ management still does not want to risk his return. Right now, the team’s priority is clear. “We’ve got to be smart about it because those ribcages can be tricky, but he looks really good. I don’t want to put a specific timeframe, but (he could return) sooner than later.”  Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.

They want full recovery of their injured players, not a rushed return. Cause, until the trade deadline hits and they dive straight into the market, they will be relying on Chisholm to take over third base.

Before his injury setback, he used to exclusively play second base. He hit .181 with 7 home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .714 OPS across 125 plate appearances. Chisholm is a versatile player, and as it seems, he will return stronger than ever as the Yankees take a sigh of relief. But when the trade deadline hits, the Yankees might have a tough time landing a third baseman who checks all the boxes.

What options do the Yankees have at this year’s MLB trade deadline

Clearly, the Yankees are narrowing their focus. They need two key upgrades: a right-handed hitting third baseman and a starting pitcher to bring stability to their rotation.

They are set to make a strong push for the postseason. Until then, you already know Chisholm Jr. will be taking over the third base spot. And well, the Yankees have shown their longtime interest in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. However, he hits left-handed. And the Yankees need a right-handed pitcher currently.

Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates could also be a potential option. He’s a right-handed hitter, too. The problem with Hayes is that his numbers have dropped. This season, he has recorded a .580 OPS and holds a career .687 OPS in nearly 2,000 at-bats.

Except for these options, at this deadline, the Chicago White Sox are likely to be the sellers. But they don’t seem to have a third baseman for the Yankees’ standards. There was little buzz around Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. But then again, with a .698 OPS this season, he doesn’t look like the right fit.

While filling third base is tricky, for pitching, the market has some promising options. The team is in search of elite arms. According to sources, Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins is available. Moreover, Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers is drawing interest too.

Many teams are also contending for Pablo Lopez from the Minnesota Twins. That being said, the Yankees only need one or two smart additions in their lineup. It’ll be enough for the team to become the elite World Series contenders.