As the New York Yankees continue to plummet down the MLB standings, the team’s brass is reportedly pondering the idea of shockingly being sellers at the trade deadline.
The MLB trade deadline each season is often a time when the New York Yankees make some of their most impactful moves. Be it All-Stars or lesser know players that perfectly fit a need, general manager Brian Cashman usually chooses to be most aggressive to improve the team this time of year.
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However, 2023 may be different than previous seasons. Major injuries to top stars, and poor play from key players, have led to a disastrous result for the team over the first few months of the season. As they close in on the Aug. 1 trade deadline, the team is just a few games over .500, in last place in the American League East, and four games out of the final Wild Card spot.
Furthermore, a report earlier this week suggested the New York Yankees would like to cut salaries before the deadline. That is why many around MLB believe they should be sellers at the deadline. Well, it seems some inside the organization are starting to feel the same way.
On Friday, SNY MLB insider Andy Martino revealed that “According to sources with knowledge of the Yankees’ thinking, team leadership understands that if wins don’t come quickly, they will have to seriously discuss changing course and selling.”
The New York Yankees’ next two series against the Royals and Mets will likely decide their strategy before the MLB trade deadline. If they do sell, here are five players likely to be on the move before Aug. 1.
5 New York Yankees that could be traded soon
Harrison Bader
Centerfielder Harrison Bader was an impact piece for the New York Yankees late in their run to the ALCS last season. However, with a greater opportunity, the 29-year-old has not been able to elevate his games to new levels. Nevertheless, the impending free agent offers strong defense and could be a valuable addition for a contender in need of a late-game replacement at an important spot like center.
Anthony Rizzo
While the Yankees made Rizzo a priority in MLB free agency this winter, the organization may feel they are better off moving on from the three-time All-Star while there is still interest in his aging abilities. There were several other teams trying to add his services in the winter and he is still a rock-solid power bat. An organization looking for extra thump in the order for a run to the postseason could see notable upside in Rizzo.
Luis Severino
Luis Severino is set to hit free agency, and despite his long injury history, he could be appealing to teams looking for a rental with upside, due to his previous trips to the All-Star game earlier in his career. He is still only 29 and a club in desperate need of help at the back of the rotation could take a flier on him in the hopes a change of scenery and looking to add free-agent value late in the season could help him turn things around.
DJ LeMahieu
DJ LeMahieu shocked baseball fans when he had an unexpected renaissance for the New York Yankees in 2019 and earned his third trip to the All-Star game. He followed that up with another strong shortened season in 2020. However, he has reverted to his previous performance levels since.
The 35-year-old will be the toughest of this bunch to move with $45 million left on his deal, but his ability to play multiple positions in the infield could appeal to a contender looking for more lineup flexibility.
Gleyber Torres
Gleyber Torres is similar to Severino as a prospect who looked like he would reach his potential with early All-Star appearances and has never been able to recapture that level of play in recent years. He, as much as anyone, might be in desperate need of a uniform change to try and return to his previous form. At only 26, there is certainly appeal for a middle infielder with legitimate power.