The New York Yankees have been on a roller coaster ride since they added Juan Soto to their roster. They finished the last season on a very disappointing note. Even today, key players like Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, who have been part of the team for a while, will say the 82-80 record still hurts. Moreover, the ace pitcher said before the spring training that the wound is still fresh, and the team is looking for redemption this year. That’s how the team has been performing ever since the regular season began. At present, the NY side is enjoying the best record in the league so far.
They are 42-19. After completing a three-game series sweep against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, the Yankees solidified their place at the top of the American League East division. Now, they have a game advantage over the Baltimore Orioles. Moreover, the Yankees look like the no. 1 trade deadline buyer at the moment, as per a former general manager. However, Jim Bowden of The Athletic said that the NY side could trade Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo ahead of the deadline.
Why Yankees Would Trade A Couple Of Veterans Ahead Of Trade Deadline?
As per Jim Bowden, the decision makers across the league have identified Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo as players who need to step up their game. Otherwise, the decision-makers believe Rizzo and Torres will not be vital parts of the New York Yankees after July 30. On Monday, The Athletic’s MLB Analyst wrote that the right side of the infield of the NY side has underperformed so far. The production in that area must improve. If not, then, the Yankees might focus on that area to bring upgrades via trades. So far, the hitting has been the biggest strength of the NY Yankees. And why not when the team has the Big 3 power hitters – Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and the new addition Juan Soto?
Moreover, the 27-year-old Gleyber Torres has been slashing .230/.308/.324 with 81 OPS+. Also, he has hit four home runs and 16 RBIs so far. On the other hand, the 34-year-old Anthony Rizzo has slashed .240/.301/.360 with 87 OPS+. Moreover, Rizzo has hit seven home runs and 25 RBIs so far. Currently, the Yankees are no. 1 in terms of 123 wRC+. Also, the NY side has scored the third most runs in baseball. Moreover, as per NJ Advance Media, Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres have been holes.
Perhaps Torres And Rizzo Are Beyond Their Prime
Both Gleyber Torres and Anthony Rizzo have been key clogs in the batting lineup for the Yankees in the last several years. Torres has been part of the clubhouse for seven years. On the other hand, Rizzo has been a part for 3+ years. Hence, it would be a surprise to trade them. But the current situation allows the Yankees that opportunity to fix those kind of weak areas.
At present, Torres might be feeling a lot of pressure as he is in the last year of his contract with the NY side. In the offseason, he can very well be a free agent. But Anthony Rizzo has a club option in 2025 and a year left at $17 million. Apparently, Father Time has caught up to Rizzo, 34, and he is well past his prime.
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