The 2023 MLB season summer trade deadline will close on Tuesday, and the New York Yankees are actively looking for options. The market is filled with trade targets. But the luxury tax threshold is keeping them at bay for now. While the club’s preferred choice remains an outfielder, an Athletic reporter claimed the team might add an additional reliever as well.
The Yankees bullpen has been the best in the league so far. Barring a few hiccups, the relievers have done an excellent job. Michael King, Clay Holmes, and Ron Marinaccio have been the standouts till now. Having said that, the Bronx Bombers wouldn’t mind an additional flamethrower for a steal deal. Meanwhile, trade rumors have linked the team to a Cardinals reliever who could be put up for sale.
Trade Rumors Link Yankees To Cardinals Relief Pitcher Jordan Hicks
Jordan Hicks, a 26-year-old right-handed pitcher, has been a standout performer for the St. Louis Cardinals since making his major league debut in 2018. Through his electrifying fastball, Hicks quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the mound. However, post-Tommy John surgery in 2019, his time with the Cardinals has been marred due to inconsistency and questionable organization decisions. In 2022, the Cardinals tried to turn him into starting pitcher, which badly backfired. Hence, Hicks returned to the bullpen in 2023, where he has put a 3.67 ERA in 40-odd games.
Jordan Hicks is an impending free agent, and extension talks were reportedly underway. However, the Cardinals have chosen to sell at the trade deadline, and the team remains willing to listen to offers for Hicks. Meanwhile, as per Derrick Goold, both Yankees and Rangers have shown viable interest in the pitcher. Undoubtedly, Jordan remains a good pick. He is still 26 and has loads of potential stored in him. However, the Yankees will have to part ways with strong prospects to land Hicks. Also, the Yanks must look to sign the Cardinals pitcher for the long term. Overall, the Yanks’ front office must balance the short-term need for bullpen reinforcement with the long-term potential impact of giving up highly regarded prospects.
Yanks DFA Willie Calhoun Amid Trade Talks With Cody Bellinger
Meanwhile, trade rumors have strongly linked Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger to New York Yankees. Bellinger remains in hot form offensively. Moreover, Cody also satisfies Yank’s need for a left-handed hitter. While nothing is official for now, the club’s recent move has created a lot of speculation on the incoming trade. Ahead of the series opener against the Orioles, the Bombers designated outfielder Wille Calhoun for an assignment and freed up a roster space.
Willie Calhoun had been on IL for several weeks due to a left quad strain injury. On Friday, the Yankees reinstated the outfielder from IL, and immediately DFA’d him. It is believed that Willie’s exit was meant to free up roster space for Cody Bellinger as the trade deadline closes on Tuesday. All signs indicate that trade between Yankees and Cubs could be on the cards. But at the same time, the Cubs are also active in the playoff race. Hence, it would be interesting to know if they are willing to sell under these circumstances.
