Last place in the division with August set to start. The New York Yankees have rarely found themselves in this situation over the course of the past three decades.
Despite still boasting a 55-50 record and remaining very much alive in the American League Wild Card race, this could lead to New York selling ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline.
According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, New York has told interested parties that impending free agents could potentially be had. That list includes Harrison Bader, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Wandy Peralta and Luis Severino.
“The Yankees continued to try to operate on two tracks — see if they could move out some veterans for prospects and perhaps salary relief while trying to acquire pieces that have control beyond the 2023 season,” report on the New York Yankees’ plans. “It exemplifies that the leadership is not overly optimistic about the playoff chances of this group as it ponders a) subtracting and b) prioritizing upgrades with control beyond the current season.”
While this might not be the same fire sale we’re seeing from the crosstown rival New York Mets, Yankees fans aren’t accustomed to the idea of their team selling. They most definitely are not accustomed to cost-cutting measures.
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New York Yankees could trade multiple veterans
There’s certainly a logical approach to this. Perhaps, New York doesn’t envision any of the four players mentioned above being part of its long-term future.
Of the group, Bader might draw the most interest. One of the better defensive outfielders in the game (Gold Glove winner), the veteran is also hitting a decent .260 with seven homers, 33 RBI and 10 stolen bases on the season.
A former top-prospect and two-time All-Star, Severino has struggled big time this season (2-5 record, 7.49 ERA, 1.84 WHIP). This comes after an injury-plagued past four seasons in which the 29-year-old pitcher appeared in just 26 games.
As for Peralta, he’s been tremendous of the pen (2.29 ERA, 1.20 WHIP this season). As we’ve seen with the MLB trade deadline approaching, players of his ilk have drawn interest.
New York headed into this week’s action nine games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East. It is also 3.5 games out of the final wild card spot in the American League.