Who do spiraling Yankees need to target at 2024 trade deadline? Our preview
Pete CalderaThere are three weeks until MLB’s July 30 trade deadline, and the needs of several contenders – including the Yankees – have sellers positioned to drive hard bargains.
A team that was on cruise control until mid-June, the Yankees might not just be seeking to finetune their bullpen for a stretch run.
They could be hunting for significant arms, including starters, along with corner infield help.
Sunday night’s 3-0 loss to the Red Sox sent the second-place Yankees to 0-6-1 in their last seven series.
“We’re going to be open minded to a lot of different things,’’ GM Brian Cashman told reporters Tuesday at Tampa Bay, regarding potential trades.
"I’m not going to point out anything specific, but we definitely have areas to improve upon and we’ll do our best. We’ve just got to figure our way through this ourselves and hopefully we can add some pieces at some point.’’
Yankees' quest for bullpen upgrades
The need for upgrades in this area predates the Yankees’ recent slide, but the issue has grown more urgent.
Boone needs more swing-and-miss options in his bullpen, as well as a better left-handed option than current lefties Caleb Ferguson, Tim Hill and the since-demoted Victor Gonzalez.
In his free agent walk year, Miami Marlins’ closer Tanner Scott fits the bill, but the Yankees would be just one of many suitors for the lefty, who turns 30 later this month.
In 37 games through Sunday, Scott has posted a 1.42 ERA with 13 saves, 42 strikeouts and just 18 hits allowed in 38 innings, but with 23 walks.
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White Sox’s right-hander Michael Kopech, with another season of control remaining, could be part of Chicago’s impending sell-off.
Kopech’s 5.45 ERA and 1.500 WHIP are jarring stats, but he’s got 51 strikeouts in 38 innings and he’d be out of the closer’s spot and into a setup role in the Bronx.
Other potential trade targets include Angels' closer Carlos Estevez and a couple of old friends, the Rangers' David Robertson and the Blue Jays' Chad Green. The price tag would be enormous for the Athletics' Mason Miller, with years of team control remaining.
Yankees' potential need for corner infield help
Third baseman DJ LeMahieu’s lack of production since coming off the IL has the Yankees exploring the corner infield market.
“I feel all right," LeMahieu said Sunday night, batting .194 with a .511 OPS in 32 games since coming back from a right foot fracture. “Just keep going. Dig in, keep going."
Luis Rengifo might be an ideal addition, as third baseman who can also handle the middle infield.
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But he’s currently on the injured list with wrist inflammation, and there will be competition for the Los Angeles Angels’ switch-hitter, under team control through 2025.
But Rengifo could provide a needed offensive boost, batting .315 with an .800 OPS I 69 games, with 22 stolen bases in 28 attempts.
Also currently on the IL with a knee injury, old friend Isiah Kiner-Falefa is under contract through 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, but he already knows the New York terrain and he’s better defensively at third base.
Yankees' internal options
By the end of July, the Yankees expect to have designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring strain) back in the middle of their lineup.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo (fractured hand) looks like a mid-August addition, but he was struggling at the time of his injury.
Versatile infielder Jon Berti (calf strain) could return in a couple of weeks, and he provides a speed factor, too.
There are more bullpen options on the way, with Scott Effross on track to return after the All-Star break, though the right-hander has missed significant time due to elbow and back surgeries.
Cody Poteet (currently on the IL) could be an option for the rotation or bullpen, as is JT Brubaker, an injury-rehabbing trade acquisition earlier this season.
Nick Burdi could return by August, but he’s hard to rely on due to injury history. Jack Neely is a name to watch at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Starter Clarke Schmidt (lat strain) is due back sometime next month, and if the Yankees have six healthy starters at that point, Luis Gil at least has the potential to transfer to a multi-inning bullpen role.