Max Schuemann (Image Source: Getty) The New York Yankees responded to the recent injury news and made a corresponding move by acquiring Oakland Athletics’ infielder/outfielder Max Schuemann to continue to add depth to the roster. The acquisition injects some versatility into the Bronx as the club continues to put the finishing touches on its lineup for the upcoming season. In exchange, the Yankees gave the A’s their top pitching prospect, Luis Burgos, which was even more of a sign they were willing to mortgage the future for the present flexibility.In 2024, Schuemann became a household name around Major League Baseball as the Athletics’ Heart & Hustle Award nominee, which is an award that is given annually to the player who most exemplifies passion, effort and dedication to the game of baseball. Though not a household name, he has earned praise for providing quality, high-effort minutes. His versatility and competitive spirit will make him a great addition to their clubhouse, the Yankees believe.
What Max Schuemann brings to the Yankees roster
The primary appeal of Schuemann is his ability to play nearly anywhere on the field. He played shortstop, second base, third base, and all three outfield spots while with Oakland. Versatility like that is especially desirable to the Yankees, whose use of matchup-based lineups and late-inning replacements is a staple of Boone’s longtime approach to a long season.Offensively, Schuemann has put up pedestrian big league stats, but evaluators have been impressed with his entire game. He’s a fast base runner and has an advanced understanding of situational hitting and a very gritty mindset at the plate. He has found ways to affect games with hustle and consistency, even when not logging eye-popping stats.The Yankees cleared out a space on the 40-man roster for Schuemann by designating outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez for assignment. The move illustrates just how much the organization values Schuemann’s services, in particular, his utility-potential off the bench. Yankees manager Aaron Boone has repeatedly noted how players who can play multiple positions and wear multiple hats are valuable, and Schuemann is exactly that kind of player.
Trade details and outlook for both clubs
In return for Schuemann, the Yankees gave the Athletics right-handed pitcher Luis Burgos. Burgos is just 20 years old and was in the New York system the previous two years, making some solid progress. He had good-ish numbers in the minors and looked like a potential back-end rotation piece down the line, but the Yankees ultimately viewed him as expendable in the present in order to help the major league roster now.The trade is another move for Oakland in its ongoing rebuild. Burgos is a nice return for the same reasons the Athletics valued it: continuing to prioritize young pitching and long-term upside. For New York, it’s more about the now, adding a reliable, still-lively player ready to help right away.