As the New York Yankees continue to explore the market to upgrade their lineup and rotation, a new possibility has emerged to address a major area of need.
Entering Saturday, New York’s first baseman ranked 29th in OPS (.648) and 27th in slugging percentage (.366). Given the lack of upper-tier first baseman available on the trade market, it seems New York may have found an alternative.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB.com, New York is targeting Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas as a trade candidate at a different position. Per the report, New York is one of several clubs considering trading for Moustakas and shifting him across the diamond.
In 900-plus games during his MLB career, the 29-year-old has played just two at first base. Both of those starts came this season for Kansas City, so the veteran has some familiarity with the position.
The concerning aspect, though, might be Moustakas’ statistical decline.
An impending free agent, he ended April with a .302/.336/.578 slash line, eight home runs and 19 RBI in 28 starts. Since the calendar turned, the two-time, All-Star third baseman has slashed .233/.300/.411 with eight home runs in 54 games.
Given his struggles and being a half-season rental, it shouldn’t cost New York a premium prospect to land him. As of now, the Yankees seem prepared to explore all options at first base.