Would the New York Yankees make a bold move for another dynamic, injury-prone talent? That’s the idea floated by former MLB executive and current analyst Jim Bowden, who predicted that the Yankees would acquire Twins third baseman Royce Lewis in a trade involving left-hander Henry LaLane, right-hander Cam Schlittler, and infielder Oswald Peraza.



Minnesota's Royce Lewis

Bowden’s mock trade appeared in a recent piece for The Athletic, where he made predictions about the 2025 season. The deal would be a gamble for both sides, but it would get the Yankees the upgraded, right-handed bat they need at third base. Lewis, 25, is one of the most electric young players when healthy.

The problem is, he rarely has been. In three MLB seasons, Lewis has flashed superstar-level tools, but has also dealt with repeated knee and oblique injuries that have limited his availability. He’s played in just 140 regular-season games since debuting in 2022.

But when he’s on the field, he produces. He’s a right-handed bat with middle-of-the-order upside. With DJ LeMahieu entering the final phase of his career and Oswaldo Cabrera more valuable as a utility piece, he could fill a hole at third base for the Yankees long term, as he is under team control through 2028.



That is, if the Yankees have the stomach for another player who tends to get injured. Peraza would be the headliner going back. Once considered a future starter in the Bronx, he’s out of minor league options and still hasn’t proven he can hit enough to hold down an everyday job. He’s a glove-first infielder who could get a second life in Minnesota.

Henry LaLane is one of the Yankees’ more intriguing young arms. The 6-foot-7 lefty has shown impressive upside at the lower levels, and the organization has been patient with his development. Cam Schlittler is a strike-throwing right-hander who could develop into a back-end starter or long reliever.