With Spring Training less than 48 hours away, the New York Yankees are fine-tuning the edges of their roster. On Monday, February 9, 2026, the Bronx Bombers finalized a minor trade with the Athletics, acquiring versatile infielder Max Schuemann in exchange for young right-hander Luis Burgos.

The Yankees already made a splash in free agency by signing Cody Bellinger, but this move helps shore up a pressing need: reliable infield depth. With Anthony Volpe recovering from left labrum surgery and unlikely to take the field until May at the earliest, the Yankees couldn’t afford to go into San Francisco on Opening Day. 

By snagging Schuemann, the Bronx Bombers get a “glove-first” utility player who can navigate the dirt at short, second, and third, making this an underrated move for a team with World Series aspirations.

Max Schuemann Trade Grades

Trade Details:

Yankees receive: INF Max Schuemann
A’s receive: RHP Luis Burgos

To accommodate Schuemann, the Yankees designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment. Additionally, the team is expected to DFA another player shortly to finalize the one-year, $4 million reunion with veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

New York Yankees

Listen, I get it. You look at Schuemann’s .197 average from last year and you want to throw your Taylor Ham sandwich at the screen. But hang on a second. We aren’t bringing this guy in to hit cleanup.

Why We Love It:

The Glove is Legit: Schuemann didn’t just play multiple positions for the A’s; he played them well. We’re talking 95th percentile in Outs Above Average. He’s the guy you put in at short in the 8th inning when you’re up by one and your heart is in your throat.
Speed Kills: He’s 21-for-23 on stolen base attempts in his career. In a late-game pinch-running spot, he’s a massive upgrade over some of the “cloggers” we’ve had on the bench lately.
The Price was Right: Luis Burgos is 20 years old and hasn’t seen a pitch above Rookie ball. For a perennial contender like the Yankees, that’s still 5+ years away from being a contributor. Trading a “maybe” for a “right now” utility man is a win.

Overall, it’s a solid deal for the Yankees, especially given the injury history of Jazz Chisholm and Anthony Volpe, along with Ryan McMahon’s struggles at the plate. 

Schuemann actually had a solid rookie season in 2024, hitting .220 with seven home runs and 14 stolen bases but he failed to stay above the Mendoza line in 2025, hitting just .197 during his sophomore slump. 

If he can improve at the plate and fill in at multiple infield positions, he will improve the Yankees’ overall depth and give them some added speed on the basepaths along with Jose Caballero.

Grade: B+

Athletics 

For the A’s, this was a simple case of asset management. They had recently claimed Andy Ibáñez, which made Schuemann the odd man out. Rather than losing him for nothing on waivers, they flipped him for Luis Burgos, who has the potential to eventually make the big league club on a rebuilding team.

Burgos is a project, but a promising one. He posted a 2.44 ERA in the Dominican Summer League last season. 

While his walk rate (4.7 BB/9) needs work, he’s a 6’2″ athlete with a frame that suggests more velocity is coming. The A’s are in a position to be patient with a 20-year-old arm while they continue their rebuild.

Grade: B-

Final Thoughts

The Yankees used 14 different players at shortstop, second, or third base last season. Schuemann at least provides a known quantity: a defender trusted in multiple spots with minor-league options remaining. He also fits the front office’s preference for contact-oriented bench pieces. 

Overall, this seems like the perfect acquisition to make before Spring Training for a roster that has the star power and starting rotation to make a serious World Series run.