The Yankees added infield depth Monday, acquiring Max Schuemann in a trade with the Athletics.
Pitching prospect Luis Burgos is headed to the A’s in return.
The righty-swinging Schuemann, 28, batted .197 with two home runs, 13 RBI and a .568 OPS in 213 plate appearances last season, his second in the majors.
Through 234 career games, Schuemann is a .212 hitter with nine home runs, a .603 OPS and 21 stolen bases.
Schuemann’s main value is his versatility, as he’s spent considerable time at shortstop, second base and third base while also making appearances at all three outfield positions.
Using the advanced metric Outs Above Average, Schuemann graded as an above-average defender at each of those infield positions last season. He was especially strong at second and third base.
Schuemann was born in Kalamazoo, Mich., where Derek Jeter spent most of his childhood.
As a rookie in April 2024, Schuemann started at shortstop at Yankee Stadium and marveled at playing in the same spot as one of his childhood favorites.
“I was pumped,” Schuemann said at the time, according to MLB.com. “I ran out there and took a couple of seconds to take it all in. That’s where he stood and that’s where he played every day for the Yankees. It was a pretty special moment.”
Schuemann could now factor into filling the Yankees’ early-season void at shortstop, as starter Anthony Volpe is not expected to be ready for Opening Day after undergoing offseason surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder.
But more likely, Schuemann provides organizational depth due to his three remaining minor-league options.
That’s because the Yankees’ backup infield mix is already crowded with José Caballero, Oswaldo Cabrera, Amed Rosario and Paul Goldschmidt.
Burgos, 20, pitched to a 2.44 ERA over 11 appearances, including eight starts, in rookie ball last year.
To make room on their 40-man roster for Schuemann, the Yankees designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment, less than a week after claiming him off waivers from the Colorado Rockies.
On Monday, the Yankees also outrighted right-hander Dom Hamel and infielder Braden Shewmake to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
