The New York Yankees sit near the top of the MLB standings with June approaching, inspiring hope for the club’s World Series aspirations. However, to improve the team’s chances, there are a few potential Yankees trade targets who could be pursued this summer.
New York doesn’t necessarily have a lot of needs. Entering MLB games today the Yankees lineup is top five in every major category and the pitching has been just as good. With that said, there are always ways to improve a roster for both the regular season and October.
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Let’s dive into our top Yankees trade targets for the summer.
Luis Reingifo, third baseman, Los Angeles Angels
DJ LeMahieu should return to the Yankees lineup in June, but there’s no guarantee he can stay healthy given the number of setbacks he’s already experienced. Even if he does, LeMahieu will be 36 years old in July and it’s hard to bet on him maintaining his production. New York needs a quality insurance plan.
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Luis Rengifo is the solution. The 27-year-old switch-hitter has been a lone bright spot in the Los Angeles Angels lineup this season, slashing .308/.362/.462 with 12 stolen bases and a 134 wRC+. Furthermore, Rengifo is responsible for a.793 OPS and 116 OPS+ in the last two seasons. Just as valuable for the Yankees, versatility, with Rengifo offering the ability to play second base, shortstop and the corner outfield. Plus, he’s under contract for the 2025 season.
Elias Diaz, catcher, Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are obvious sellers at the MLB trade deadline. As for the Yankees, while there might be some value in getting Austin Wells some at-bats at the major-league level, that’s less affordable for a World Series contender. It’s even worse when he could essentially be an automatic out if he starts games in the postseason.
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Elis Diaz would be a viable complementary catcher to share time with Jose Trevino. Keep in mind, Diaz ranks sixth in Catch Framing Runs (2) this season, so it’s not as if New York would be sacrificing everything defensively. At the plate, Diaz sports a .280/.326/.422 slash line with a .747 OPS since the 2023 season. If someone like Diaz is acquired, Wells could get consistent at-bats at the Triple-A level.
Tanner Scott, relief pitcher, Miami Marlins
Relievers will always be among the top Yankees trade targets, no matter how good the bullpen is. Miami Marlins closer Tanner Scott, who would be a half-season rental, would be a strong addition as a left-handed option in the late innings or whenever he’s needed in October.
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The 29-year-old reliever has been sensational on the mound over the last two seasons. In his last 99 innings pitched, Scott sports a 2.18 ERA with a 126-42 K-BB ratio and a 1.08 WHI, all with an 11.5 K/9. He’s equally effective against left-handed hitters (.143/.333/.238) and righties (.173/.328/.231). He’s not the flashiest name available, but he could be acquired at a very reasonable cost.
Ryan Helsley, relief pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
Oakland Athletics closer Mason Miller is obviously a more popular name among Yankees trade targets. However, his level of contract control (through 2029) means his price tag will be through the roof. Keep in mind, this is the same hard-throwing pitcher who had massive injury concerns as a prospect.
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Ryan Helsley should be a more affordable option and he’s under team control next season. The 29-year-old closer has struck out 28.9 percent of batters faced this season, holding opponents ton a .190 batting average with a 4.8 percent walk rate. Those numbers have translated into a 0.86 WHP with a 1.23 ERA. As for his sustainability, Helsley owns a 1.61 ERA with a .153 batting average allowed and a 36.3 percent strikeout rate in 123.1 innings pitched since the 2022 season.