As the trade deadline inches closer, struggling teams like New York Yankees are caught in a huge dilemma. Despite buying temptations, the club has to overlook its high payroll. The team’s current payroll is just below the luxury tax threshold. Hence, the club is moving with extreme caution at the upcoming deadline.
The New York Yankees’ present roster is filled with notable names. While they have been unable to perform up to expectations, their stature in the league is still intact. Meanwhile, ahead of the deadline, the Yanks are looking to switch their approach and become active sellers. Moreover, a lot of impending free agents could come under the radar as the deadline moves closer.
Yankees Could Use Impending Free Agents As Trade Chips At The Deadline!
The New York Yankees’ postseason dreams are in shambles as they rank at the bottom of the AL-East division. As of this writing, the club is seated four games below the playoff wildcard spot. As a result, the team has pressed a panic button, and there has been a sense of urgency within the camp, especially with the trade deadline looming over their shoulders. Meanwhile, the Bombers were expected to be full-fledged buyers as per their roster’s shortcomings. However, as per the latest rumors, Brian Cashman has deviated from the original plan and is now looking to sell. The New York Post claimed that the Yanks have informed various clubs of being open to hearing offers for a group of impending free agents.
Those groups include a big set of major leaguers. Harrison Bader, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Wandy Peralta, and Luis Severino are all being put up on the market for trade. The primary motive of Cashman behind this move is to free up monetary space in the payroll as they are very much on the brim of surpassing the luxury tax threshold. As the organization is a second-time offender, the penalties would be significant. However, parting ways with a potent player like Bader could be a huge risk for the Yankees. Since arriving in 2022, the center-fielder has shown flashes of brilliance and has transformed into a key regular starter. Overall, as the deadline approaches, the Yanks’ front office will continue to engage in discussions with other teams, exploring all possibilities to maximize value from their impending free agents.
Yanks Trade Acquisition Plans Revealed
Apart from selling, the New York Yankees could also buy simultaneously. Moreover, as per Buster Olney of ESPN, the club’s main trade target would be a left-field candidate. There has been a revolving door at that position for the past two seasons. As a result, the club is looking for an upgrade. However, the outfield market has shrunk in the past few days.
Cody Bellinger, Randal Grichuk, and Jeimer Candelario are off the market. Lane Thomas, Tommy Pham, and Dylan Carlson are the only notable options remaining. Hence, the ambition might not come true at this trade deadline. Having said that, the decisions made in the coming days could shape the team’s roster for the remainder of the season and beyond, influencing their pursuit of postseason glory and their commitment to building a competitive team in the future.