This season's MLB trade deadline is quickly approaching, with the final call for all clubs to make trades coming on Thursday, July 31st at 6 pm EST. At this point in the season, front offices have a good idea of where their team stands in terms of buying or selling assets at the deadline, and the Boston Red Sox should be among those clubs buying.
The team sits at 57-51 after a wild loss to the Minnesota Twins on Monday night. Given the result, the Red Sox missed a grand opportunity to move up in the AL East and wild card standings. Both the Yankees and Blue Jays lost their matchups, as Boston still clings to the final wild card spot by 0.5 games over the Texas Rangers, while still being 6.5 games back of the Blue Jays for the AL East lead.
Despite the loss, this Red Sox second baseman showed his value in Monday's game. It appears that Boston's biggest rival, the Yankees, have taken note of David Hamilton's ability on the base paths and are targeting him prior to Thursday's deadline.
Yankees Targeting Red Sox 2B David Hamilton as Trade Deadline Approaches
It's no secret that Hamilton has struggled at the plate this season. With 3 home runs, 12 RBIs, and a .179/.229/.276 slash line across 123 at-bats, Hamilton is better served as a defensive replacement, or a pinch runner, like Sox fans saw in the series opener against Minnesota. He was recently recalled from Triple-A Worcester on July 25th as Marcelo Mayer was placed on the IL with a wrist sprain.
As the Yankees have been reeling of late without Aaron Judge, their defense, especially in the infield, has not been good. Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have had their struggles as middle infielders, combining for 18 of the team's 55 errors. The team recently acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies to help with their defense woes, but is still looking for more help up the middle, signaling to their interest in Hamilton.
MLB Network Insider Joel Sherman reports that the Yankees have looked Hamilton's way ahead of the deadline, along with other utility players like Willi Castro of the Twins, and the Rays trio of Taylor Walls, Jose Caballero, and Ha-Seong Kim.
The New York Yankees have interest in Red Sox infielder David Hamilton, according to @Joelsherman1. pic.twitter.com/FhXOEVwCDu
— Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 28, 2025
In 35 starts this season between second base and shortstop, Hamilton has made five errors and holds a fielding percentage of .974 at second (.969 at shortstop). Chisholm Jr. (.920) is experiencing a career-worst year in the field, and the same can be said for shortstop Anthony Volpe (.964). Hamilton has made 58 starts at second and 66 at shortstop over his three years with the Red Sox.
Although Hamilton looks to be a defensive improvement over Volpe and Chisholm Jr., his speed on the basepaths is probably what strikes the Yankees' interest the most. The 27-year-old swiped 33 bags in 2024 and has already stolen 17 bases this season across 64 games. That number would pace all Yankees this season, as Jasson Dominguez leads the club with 15 thefts.
As a team, the Yankees sit in the bottom half in terms of stolen bases with 67. It makes sense why they would want a player with Hamilton's speed and defensive abilities in the middle infield. With Boston's Ceddanne Rafaela taking over the duties at second base as of late with Mayer sidelined, Hamilton made his impact late in the game on Monday night.
Tied at 3-3, Abraham Toro drew a walk to kick off the top of the ninth inning against Twins closer Johan Duran. Hamilton was subbed in as a pinch runner for Toro, and proceeded to steal both second and third base. He would ultimately end up scoring the go-ahead run when Roman Anthony singled to center, as Hamilton's contributions on the basepaths made that RBI opportunity possible. Red Sox fans probably don't want to discuss the remainder of the game, though.
Even with second baseman Marcelo Mayer back in the fold (hopefully soon), Hamilton can change the outlook of a game, like he did last night, on the bases. That's why the Red Sox would be foolish to trade him to the Yankees, ultimately giving them a speed threat and another utility piece off the bench. With the two teams separated by one game in both the division and wild card race, there would be no reason to help New York in two areas they've been struggling in as of late.
With the trade deadline just two days away, the Red Sox have been linked to Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz. A backend starter and another bullpen arm would both be much appreciated additions in Boston, as they look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2021.