The MLB trade deadline is always a period of intense speculation and negotiations, with teams exploring various possibilities to bolster their rosters or make strategic moves for the future. This year, the New York Yankees were expected to make big moves to boost their late playoff push. However, unsurprisingly, the front office was disappointed once again.
Despite intense speculations, Brian Cashman ended up giving consent for only two bullpen pieces. The team was unable to fulfill the years-long void of a left fielder. Having said that, a new piece of information has come to light, which suggests that the Yankees indeed put in effort. However, the details of the alleged offer have sent the fans into a frenzy.
Yankees Tried To Offer Clarke Schmidt To Red Sox In Exchange Of An Outfielder
The New York Yankees were believed to have remained hyperactive during this season’s trade deadline. They were actively looking for an outfielder with strong offensive prowess. But somehow, a deal didn’t come through. Meanwhile, Red Sox reporter Chris Henrique has made a startling claim. He claims that the Yanks approached arch-rivals Boston Red Sox to discuss a trade that involved their top-performing pitcher. As per the alleged offer, the Bombers were supposed to ship away starter Clarke Schmidt to Boston in exchange for outfielder Alex Verdugo. Unfortunately, or somewhat, fortunately, the deal fell out. That being said, it seemed pretty unusual of the Yanks to put up a bold offer, that too, to arch East division nemesis.
Clarke Schmidt has arguably been the New York Yankees’ second best-performing pitcher after ace Gerrit Cole. In 30 appearances this year, the pitcher had put together a 4.56 ERA with a 9-8 win-loss record. While the numbers are not mind-blowing, it’s still better compared to the rest of the rotation’s high-end names. However, Alex Verdugo could have been the left-field solution the Yanks are looking for. This season, he is averaging .274 with 13 homers, 54 RBIs and .774 OPS. Still, losing a growing pitcher like Schmidt was certainly not worth it. Lastly, the Yanks do not have a solid trade history with Boston, considering the status of the rivalry. Hence, the Bombers may have dodged a bullet by not moving forward with the trade.
Mike Trout In Pinstripes? A Possibility Or Fantasy?
Last week, Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY wreaked havoc by claiming that Los Angeles Angels is open to trade superstar outfielder Mike Trout if the latter wants out. Now, Jon Heyman of the New York Post has linked the New York Yankees to the Angels star. He says that if Trout ends up on the market, the Bombers could be a team of interest alongside the Philadelphia Phillies.
But let’s break down the real picture. Mike Trout has seven years left in his blockbuster 12-year contract with the Angels. While LA has not been able to make it to the postseason more than once since Mike came on board, the front office would think twice before making a bold decision. As a matter of fact, Shohei Ohtani is also expected to leave next off-season. Hence, the Angels cannot afford to lose two stars at the same time.