As the trade deadline for the 2023 MLB season inches chosen, the New York Yankees are rumored to be active participants. With inconsistent gameplay and an injured captain, undoubtedly, the team needs a boost in the roster. Their competition in the highly competitive east division is the Tampa Bay Rays.
Tampa Bay Rays remain in the midst of a terrific and unstoppable run. With 57-31, they are leading the East division and most likely booked their berths for the playoffs. While the odds are bleak, the Yankees could still make an effort to close out the cap to the Rays by elevating the roster during the trade deadline. Here are the three tight deals which will help the team’s cause.
New York Mets outfielder Tommy Pham
Tommy Pham, 35, an outfielder currently playing for the New York Mets, possesses a skill set that could significantly enhance the Yankees’ offense. After a rough journey in 2022, he is experiencing a resurgence this season by averaging .287, with nine home runs, 34 RBIs, and .870 OPS. Hence, the Bronx Bombers can take full advantage of his current hot form. Also, Pham is capable of playing left field which could potentially solve the team’s season-long crisis. Acquiring the outfielder will also not cost the Yanks much. A couple of prospects of the farm system, excluding the top ones, should do the trick. However, it would be interesting to see if the Mets will actually be willing to sell this season, as they are also dealing with their own sets of struggles.
Colorado Rockies 3B Ryan McMahon
New York Yankees’ third base situation is a mess, with DJ Lemahieu and Josh Donaldson collectively struggling at the plate. Meanwhile, Colorado Rockies third baseman, Ryan McMahon, is having a stellar season this year. In 84 appearances, he has hit .261 with 13 home runs, 43 RBIs, and .817 OPS. However, the infielder won’t come cheap, as he is sitting on a $70 million contract with the Rockies. If the Yanks are truly interested in strengthening their third base, they must sacrifice a key piece of the farm system, Oswald Peraza, along with a pitching prospect. After all, to defeat the mighty Rays, a lot must be put at stake.
Chicago Cubs OF Cody Bellinger, SP Kyle Hendricks
Cody Bellinger, a former NL MVP, is having an average offensive season. But he remains the best defensive outfielder in the league right now. The Yankees are certainly short of potent defensive starters. Cody is still 27 with lots of potential. Along with him, the Bombers can also ask for starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks. Kyle is witnessing a resurgence after a long while. So far this year, he has recorded a 2.81 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 41 innings. With Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon missing from the rotation, the Yanks can use an additional strong arm. In exchange, the Cubs could ask for infielder Oswald Peraza, pitching prospect Drew Thorpe which isn’t a big ask.
To conclude, these trades will certainly not guarantee the Yankees a playoff berth. But it could very well help the team in addressing a few limitations and regrouping to start fresh. As the crucial trade deadline approaches, it will be intriguing to see if the Yankees can pull off any of these deals and position themselves for a successful push toward the postseason.