With the off-season gaining momentum, the New York Yankees are gearing up to make significant moves to bolster the roster. Hal Steinbrenner and the rest of the front office personnel will huddle up in Nashville next week for the winter meetings, wherein fans expect them to reach consensus on multiple targets. However, besides spending cash on top-tier free agents, the Bronx Bombers are also likely to indulge in trade deals. If so happens, here are four such candidates who could be put on the trade block by the Yanks to facilitate big-name signing.
1. Clarke Schmidt
Injuries awarded Clarke Schmidt with a starter’s role ahead of the 2023 season. While he struggled to grapple with the workload initially, the pitcher came alive towards the last stretch. But all ended up in a lost cause as the New York Yankees fell short of the postseason. Across 23 games and 22 starts, Clarke posted a 4.64 ERA while registering a career-high innings pitched count (159). Having said that, these mediocre numbers won’t be enough to pursue Yanks in extending Schmidt’s stay in the Bronx. With Yamamoto and a couple of more pitchers likely to be acquired by the club, there simply isn’t room for Clarke.
2. Michael King
Reliever Michael King remained the find of the season for the New York Yankees in 2023. He was promoted to the rotation mid-season and left a profound impact with his new role. Across eight starts, King posted a 1.88 ERA and booked his place in the 2024 season’s starting rotation. However, the Bronx Bombers might have to sacrifice King in order to facilitate a blockbuster trade deal. The pitcher is in the best form of his career, which makes him an ideal trade chip. If the Bombers get hold of someone like Juan Soto, then putting Michael King on the trade block is a no-brainer move.
3. Kyle Higashioka
The veteran catcher’s 2023 season was marred with youth influx. His playing time was reduced due to the introduction of Austin Wells. Moreover, Jose Trevino’s alleged return by the 2024 season opening day leaves no room for Kyle Higashioka. Rumors have already claimed that the Yankees have informed teams of selling Higashioka and Ben Rortvedt this off-season. While the team tendered him a contract at the non-tender deadline, the trade threat is not yet over for Kyle as of now. His veteran status can fetch the Yanks a lucrative trade deal.
4. Everson Pereira
Everson Pereira made his major league debut last season with a lot of expectations. But failed to match up to it. Across 28 games, he only hit .151 with no homers and 40 strikeouts in 103 plate appearances. Moreover, with the Yankees confirming the need for two outfielders, preferably left-handed hitters, Pereira simply does not fit in the lineup anymore. Undoubtedly, the prospect is only 22 and has loads of potential stored. But in case the Bombers have to sacrifice him for a high-end trade deal, the front office won’t think twice. And even if Pereira survives the trade threat, he would most likely wind up in Triple-A.