The August 1 MLB trade deadline is approaching fast and aside from all eyes being on the Shohei Ohtani trade rumors, the New York Yankees are also a major talking point, as usual.
Like many other teams with an expensive payroll, just because the Yankees have the second-most expensive club in baseball at over $275 million spent on this year’s roster, they’re far from the best team in MLB.
In fact, the Bronx Bombers are actually tied for last place in the AL East at 52-47, fighting for a spot in the Wild Card hunt. Some teams facing such a fight might choose to fold and become sellers ahead of the deadline, and that’s a possibility depending on how they close out July.
But this is the Yankees we’re talking about. This isn’t exactly a team afraid to swing for the fences.
While MLB insider Ken Rosenthal recently indicated that it’s “Difficult to imagine them going all-in” thanks to the Yankees’ already expensive payroll, he does envision the New York front office looking to add a few specific pieces this summer.
“What I expect them to do is look for a left fielder, look for additional bullpen help, and maybe be creative, both buyers and sellers looking for some long-term pieces. They know they have to do some things, its just a question of how they go about it. “
Ken Rosenthal on New York Yankees at MLB trade deadline
The Yankees are always a team to watch near the trade deadline. Even though they may not currently be viewed as one of the juggernauts in the American League, don’t expect the team to stay quiet. Especially if the club can make up some ground in their division in the next week-plus.