The off-season frenzy is expected to begin any day now as free agency is set to kick in soon. The New York Yankees, meanwhile, are likely to adopt a bullish approach in a bid to boost their existing roster. Outfielders, third basemen, and starting pitchers will remain on their shopping list this winter.
Meanwhile, the rumor mill has churned out a few wild speculations his past week. Firstly, the Cardinals seem willing to engage with the Yankees in an exchange involving Alec Burleson or Brendan Donovan. Secondly, the Bronx Bombers are apparently getting impatient to know the Padres’ stance on Juan Soto’s availability. Additionally, a potential trade possibility with arch-rivals Red Sox is allegedly also being discussed.
Boston Red Sox Views Yankees Gleyber Torres As Best Fit Trade Target!
The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox age-old rivalry has kept the two sides from engaging in any medium whatsoever. However, in recent times, the rivalry has toned down, which opened up gates for a potential trade exchange. Both the Yanks and Red Sox are desperate to reclaim AL-East dominance. Moreover, Red Sox’s new leadership group, comprising former pitcher Craig Breslow, is willing to go to any lengths for the betterment of the franchise. Meanwhile, Rob Bradford of Audacy has learned that Yankee second baseman Gleyber Torres is a person of interest for the Red Sox.
He remained their trade target last season, and the Boston Red Sox seem likely to loop back into those trade talks with the New York Yankees. On the other hand, Yanks have not yet initiated an extension talk with the infielder, which elevates the odds of the alleged trade. Torres had an exceptional season with the bat in 2023. He finished the year as the Yanks’ second-best hitter. However, the infield logjam and lack of defensive contributions are working against the baseman. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are willing to offer Alex Verdugo in exchange, who seems a relatively better fit for the Yanks. Verdugo fits perfectly into the Yank’s criteria of an ideal outfielder as he is a left-handed outfielder. So overall, the rare exchange between the two rival sides seems likely to go on floors this off-season.
The Athletic Raises Doubt On Bellinger’s Hitting Profile As Kevin Kiermaier Names Better Option!
Cody Bellinger remains the New York Yankees’ most sought-after outfielder this off-season. His left-handed hitting prowess will bring much-needed balance to the Yankee roster. While Bellinger is coming off a strong offensive season, The Athletic raised significant doubt on his batting profile. They emphasised Cody’s struggle against 95+ mph fastballs as his hitting percentile dropped with a simultaneous increase in the velocity of the pitches.
On the other hand, Kevin Kiermaier has been named an alternative to Jasson Dominguez. The Athletic claimed that the Yankees and Blue Jays have internally discussed a trade possibility involving Kevin. The left-handed hitter is also an excellent center fielder. He kills two targets with one bullet, which should be enough for Yanks to consider making a move. Also, Kiermaier is coming off a .265 and .741 OPS season in 2023.
