In a notable development as baseball fans gear up for spring training, the New York Yankees made a move on Monday by acquiring infielder Max Schuemann from the Oakland Athletics. This transaction involved sending minor-league pitcher Luis Burgos to the A’s, marking an interesting chapter for both teams as the offseason unfolds.
Max Schuemann, who has been with the Athletics since making his MLB debut in April 2024, brings over 200 games of experience to the Yankees. His performance thus far has seen him compile a batting line of .212/.306/.297 alongside a wins above replacement (fWAR) of 1.9 during his tenure in Oakland. However, his role diminished in the 2025 season due to the emergence of rookie players like Jacob Wilson, leading to more opportunities as a utility player rather than a regular starter.
While Schuemann’s offensive metrics may not stand out—he posted 85 wRC+ in his rookie season and dropped to 62 in his second year—he is expected to add depth to the Yankees bench. With Anthony Volpe starting the 2026 season on the injured list, Schuemann may compete for a utility spot. His defensive versatility is a key asset, as he has experience playing across various positions on the field and holds a positive career WAR. The Yankees may opt to utilize Schuemann at Triple-A Scranton if they choose to manage their roster flexibility with his available options.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees designated outfielder Yanquiel Fernández for assignment to accommodate Schuemann on the 40-man roster. Fernández, who was acquired just under a week ago from the Rockies, faced a quick conclusion to his time with the Yankees.
On the other hand, Luis Burgos, the pitcher sent to Oakland, is a 20-year-old talent who has demonstrated potential with a career ERA of 3.39 over 79.2 innings in the minor leagues, although he has yet to advance beyond the Dominican Summer League.
This acquisition demonstrates the Yankees’ strategic approach to bolstering their roster while navigating the complexities of team management, particularly as they adapt to injuries and seek to optimize their lineup for the upcoming season.