Yankees surprise blockbuster trade would land Giants superstar

As the New York Yankees approach the MLB trade deadline, several blockbuster trade proposals have been floating around.

While no one knows exactly what will happen, the Yankees are expected to be among the most active teams at the deadline.

Holding one of MLB's best records at 58-39, the Yankees have a few specific needs to address. One of them comes at third base.

A blockbuster deal with the San Francisco Giants to land third baseman Matt Chapman might just be the perfect move for Brian Cashman to make.

The Yankees have a desperate need to upgrade the third base position. DJ LeMahieu has become a shell of himself this season since making his debut following a foot fracture in spring training.

His paltry 44 OPS+ is weighing the lineup down, and the Yankees continue to pencil him in as an everyday starter. His 87.5 mph average exit velocity and 36.7% hard-hit rate are currently the lowest marks of his career

Chapman would be one of the ultimate upgrades at the hot corner. On offense, Chapman could provide some help in the middle of the order.

His 92.1 mph average exit velocity and 76.5 mph bat speed rank in the 91st and 98th percentiles, respectively. In 93 games this season, the 31-year-old has a .738 OPS with 13 home runs, 43 RBI and 24 doubles.

Chapman also provides some excellent defense at third base. While LeMahieu has been fine in that regard, Chapman provides an upgrade on offense while still offering strong play defensively.

Considering Chapman seems likely to opt out of his contract after the season, that may lower the price the Yankees have to pay for a half-year rental.

The Yankees cannot get by with LeMahieu playing the way he has been. It's tough to see a player struggle so much but at some point, the Yankees must seriously consider alternative options.

If that becomes the case over the next two weeks, Chapman should be high on the priority list.