New York Yankees rumors: Interest in Josh Willingham trade

By Bryan Rose | Jul 27, 2014

Jun 1, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Minnesota Twins left fielder Josh Willingham (16) rounds second base after hitting a game-tying solo home run against the New York Yankees during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Twins defeated the Yankees 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Yankees understandably have postseason plans but they may need some additional offense to get them there. They’ve already acquired Chase Headley to help reinforce their infield, but they may not be done as they’re said to be looking for additional offensive firepower.

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While there are available talents like Marlon Byrd and Alex Rios who are prime candidates to be moved in the coming days, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports it’s Josh Willingham of the Minnesota Twins who the New York Yankees are most keen on.

"The Yankees, perhaps as concerned about their offensive issues as their rotation, are looking at outfielder Josh Willingham and some other bats.The Yankees may actually prefer Willingham to Marlon Byrd or Alex Rios, perhaps partly because of Willingham’s reasonable $7 million salary and status as a free agent after the season, though Byrd and Rios haven’t been ruled out."

More than just the salary is the type of return the teams are wanting.

Given that Willingham hasn’t produced this season and is a free agent, the Twins are going to much more reluctant to let him go for a cheaper price than the Philadelphia Phillies parting with Marlon Byrd or the Texas Rangers moving on from Alex Rios.

Of course, both Rios and Byrd would likely be more beneficial to the New York Yankees lineup but at their elevated cost, it may not be a price worth paying.

A power threat, Josh Willingham would likely put up solid numbers in the offensively charged Yankee Stadium.