New York Yankees’ outfield is a mess. With Aaron Judge missing due to injury, the right field is empty. Giancarlo Stanton is making efforts to fill in, but his troubling injury history is limiting his movements in the outfield. Moreover, the situation in the left field is also not that great, with utility players splitting time on a rotation basis.
As a result, if the Yankees intend to make a deep season run, they must boost their roaster. A perfect opportunity for them to do so would be at the upcoming trade deadline. Multiple candidates would be made available, and the team apparently has set eyes on a few potential candidates, including a former National League MVP outfielder.
Former MVP Cody Bellinger Linked To Yankees Amid Trade Deadline
OF Cody Bellinger burst onto the scene in 2017, making an immediate impact with his powerful swing, exceptional fielding ability, and athleticism. He quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier young talents, earning the National League Rookie of the Year Award that season. In 2019, he took his game to new heights, capturing the NL MVP honors with a remarkable display of offensive prowess, defensive excellence, and clutch performances. However, since his standout 2019 campaign, Bellinger has encountered some challenges. He experienced a dip in production in 2020 and has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
Last off-season, the outfielder signed with Chicago Cubs and is witnessing a resurgence this season. In 2023, he is hitting .260 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs, that too while missing several weeks due to injury. In the most likely scenario, Cody will be made available ale for trade during the deadline, and the Yankees must look out for him. He is cost efficient and low-risk candidate who could hold the outfield until the captain returns from injury. The Cubs could pose a roadblock. They are very much in the race to playoffs and might hold back Cody till the last week of the deadline before making a decision. Overall, Cody’s trade to the Yankees looks like a fair deal for both sides.
Bombers Could Sacrifice Gleyber Torres For Cody Bellinger
Outfielder Cody Bellinger is in contract with Chicago Cubs for the ongoing season, and there have been no rumors of an extension so far. Hence, it’s possible they will trade him to a team like the Yankees, who are in desperate need of quality outfielders. But, for the Yankees, they will have to make the ultimate sacrifice of infielder Gleyber Torres. After an initial explosion, Torres has gone on complete radio silence on the plate.
On top of that, Torres is also on a one-year contract with no talks of an extension. Hence, in an ideal scenario, the Yankees are mostly likely to offer Gleyber Torres in exchange for Cody Bellinger to the Cubs. And as far as the Cubs are concerned, Torres would be a perfect addition to their troubling infield. Third baseman Josh Donaldson is also an option. But no team, including the Cubs, would be willing to acquire the 37-year-old baseman. Hence, Torres will have to make the final cut from the roster.