The New York Yankees are one of the top teams this season, but they’ve been struggling lately.
Their record was the best in mid-June, but since then, it’s been one of the worst. Even though their playoff chances are still above 90%, they need some serious help.
“We’re gonna be open-minded to a lot of different things,” said Brian Cashman about their trade deadline plans. “I’m not going to point out anything specific, but we definitely have areas to improve upon.”
What They Need
Despite having a good record, the Yankees have many needs. Their offense around Aaron Judge and Juan Soto is weak, and the bullpen lacks strikeouts. A new starter would help too since Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman have been struggling lately .
Third base is a big problem area. DJ LeMahieu hasn’t been great since his injury recovery, and Jon Berti and Oswaldo Cabrera aren’t everyday players for a contending team. The Yankees rank poorly at third base compared to other teams.
Fans might think this news is both worrying and exciting because it means changes could be coming soon.
Ben Rice has done well filling in at first base for Anthony Rizzo, and Gleyber Torres has improved at second base. However, Alex Verdugo struggles against left-handed pitchers, so they need a righty platoon partner for him.
A third baseman, platoon partner for Verdugo, and high-strikeout relievers (ideally two) seem like the minimum additions needed by the deadline. Adding another starter wouldn’t hurt either.
Possible Trade Targets
Carlos Estévez from the Angels could be a good fit as he misses more bats than any current Yankees reliever but might make fans nervous with his low ground ball rate in Yankee Stadium.
Michael Kopech from the White Sox is another high-strikeout option who needs more consistency. He threw an immaculate inning earlier this month but also allows too many walks and home runs.
Isaac Paredes from the Rays could bring power to third base if Junior Caminero takes over his spot on Tampa Bay’s roster soon. Luis Rengifo from the Angels is another option despite being on injured list with wrist inflammation; he’s not just a rental player either.
Tanner Scott from Miami Marlins could also be traded as he’s approaching free agency; he offers high strikeouts but can drive you crazy with walks .
Mark Canha might be worth considering as he hits lefties well and can provide depth at first base behind Rice (and Rizzo).
Trade Chips
This season hasn’t been great for New York’s farm system: Jasson Domínguez recently pulled his oblique after Tommy John surgery rehab; Spencer Jones strikes out too much; pitching prospects Chase Hampton (elbow) & Henry Lalane (shoulder) missed most of 2024 due to injuries while Will Warren struggles in Triple-A !
Outfielder Everson Pereira was an obvious trade chip until needing season-ending elbow surgery recently…ouch!
The Yankees have traded pitching prospects before but now face challenges due to injuries & previous trades depleting their stockpile Fans wonder if they’ll still manage enough prospects for deadline deals?
Shortstop Oswald Peraza isn’t hitting much in Triple-A yet excels defensively—he’s likely available while lower minors’ infielders George Lombard Jr., Roderick Arias will be harder pried loose! Would NY entertain trading Rice or Gil? Probably not—but never say never!
Even when farm systems aren’t strong overall—Cashman & staff find ways scrounge up enough prospects making necessary trades happen! This year feels especially crucial given Soto’s only guaranteed year pinstripes…
What do you think about these potential moves?
