The upcoming August 1 trade deadline is going to be a crucial time for the New York Yankees. The club is seeking fresh bats and arms to bolster the existing rotation and somehow revive the dead playoff dream. Since the past several weeks, the Yanks have been linked to numerous trade targets, including Angels big man Shohei Ohtani. However, Ohtani is unlikely to be made available on the market as per early trends.
The main area of concern that the Yankees will look to address at the trade deadline would be outfield woes. The team has the majority of the depth on the injury list. Moreover, existing players like Giancarlo Stanton and Oswald Cabrera are either restricted due to injury or are part-time outfielders. Hence, adding a strong outfielder would be at the top of their shopping list. However, as per recent rumors, the team is also considering a change in other areas.
Yankees Looking For A Change In Catching Depth At Trade Deadline!
As the trade deadline inches closer, the market is filled with wild rumors and player linkups. Speaking of New York Yankees, their primary area of improvement was supposed to be the outfield. However, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the club is also seeking a change in the catching depth. The team’s regular catchers, Jose Trevino, and Kyle Higashioka, have stayed low on the offense. The duo has a combined OPS of .623, which ranks fifth from the bottom in the whole league. While injury concerns have restricted Trevino’s time on the field, Kyle has tried his best to share his load.
However, the burden of expectations is now taking a toll on both the top catchers. Hence, the Yankees are considering a change. However, currently, there aren’t many high-end catching options available in the market. Having said that, it’s still two weeks to go before the deadline, and circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. On the other hand, the Yanks have a homegrown catcher who is in the midst of a hot streak. Austin Wells has been raking minor league since coming off from a rib injury. The club could really take advantage of his recent form and call him up on a trial basis. Overall, it would be interesting to see how Brian Cashman led the front office approaching the trade deadline.
Arch Rivals Looking To Steal Yanks Prime Trade Target!
Chicago Cubs outfielder, Cody Bellinger, has been the New York Yankees’ primary outfield trade candidate this year. They have had eyes on him for a long while. However, it seems the team’s arch-rivals are looking to foil the team’s plans. As per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, Houston Astros have talked to Cubs as they are interested in Marcus Stroman and center fielder Cody Bellinger.
Earlier, Yankees GM Brian Cashman made it official that the club will be targeting an outfielder at the upcoming trade deadline. Moreover, the word around the market suggests that Cody Bellinger is a fixed target for the club. But with Astro’s entry, things are going to get even more murkier. The Yankees will have to put up a really good offer on the table to land in-form Bellinger.
