A crucial trade deadline will approach in less than two weeks. The New York Yankees, currently seated way far from the playoff seat, will treat it as a potential lifeline. The addition of a couple of high-end players could change the team’s fortune for the rest of the season. In a sea full of candidates, choosing the right fits would be an uphill task for the Bombers front office led by Brian Cashman. Meanwhile, as per early trend, we have clubbed together a few names which the Yanks must definitely target and also a couple of players whom the team should avoid shaking hands with at any cost.
Players To Target For Yankees
Dylan Carlson, St. Louis Cardinals
The Yankees remain in dire need of a strong left-handed outfielder. Dylan Carlson of the Cardinals is the right fit in the Bronx since he is a switch hitter. He is having a tough time fighting for the left field job with Tyler O’Neil at St.Louis. Whereas at the Yanks, the left field has been open for the past two seasons. Dylan will solve not only the offensive crisis but also the left-field woes. He is just 24 with loads of potential. The Cardinals currently have him under control till 2026. If the Bombers manage to strike a long-term deal, Carlson will go down to be a blockbuster trade.
Lane Thomas, Washington Nationals
Lane Thomas is yet another outfielder who will perfectly fit into the Yankees roster. The 27-year-old, currently under Nationals control till 2025, is hitting .293 with 15 homers and 51 RBI in 93 games. While Lane is not necessarily a left-handed hitter, his defensive skills will help in providing stability in the left field. However, the Nations are likely to keep a high price tag on Lane Thomas. The Bronx Bombers must sacrifice a couple of prospects to land Thomas, in a long-term deal.
Players To Avoid For Yankees
Cody Bellinger, Chicago Cubs
The left-handed outfielder has been a prime trade target for the Yankees this season. He is witnessing a rare resurgence with the Cubs this season. While many analysts term Bellinger a perfect fit for the Yanks, the reality is that Cody will not add any value to the roster after the 2023 season. The former NL MVP is not an ideal rental option. Moreover, due to the outfielder’s form, the Cubs will keep a high asking price which will cost the Yanks not only high-end prospects but also significant money, which will increase their payroll over the luxury tax threshold. Hence, before making any hasty decisions, the Bombers’ front office must vigilantly evaluate if Cody Bellinger is the man worth these many sacrifices.
Randal Grichuk, Colorado Rockies
Randal Grichuk of the Rockies is also in a lethal form this season. In 55 games, he is hitting .300 with .837 OPS. He is currently in the last season of his five-year contract with the Rockies. Again, he is not an ideal rental option. The Rockies will surely demand some prospects in exchange which is not a reasonable choice for the Yanks. They must not give up on their future for a rental target. Hence, Randal Grichuk should also remain off-limits at the trade deadline for the Yankees.
