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5 moves the Yankees should make at the MLB trade deadline

By Josh Criswell

Apr 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on in the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) looks on in the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Padres won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Craig Kimbrel (46) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during the ninth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Padres won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

Why would the New York Yankees trade for Craig Kimbrel when they already have a successful closer in Andrew Miller?

Well as it turns out, they may have a rare opportunity to bolster their bullpen tremendously for pennies on the dollar.

ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney predicts the Yankees targeting Kimbrel in the surprise move of the MLB trade deadline, citing the San Diego Padres‘ desire to clear up salary going forward as a large reason why.

"“The Yankees have basically let the industry know, ‘we’re willing to take on money,'” Olney told ESPN. “And can you imagine if in fact this were to happen and the Yankees were to wind up with a back end of their bullpen with Kimbrel, Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances? That would be pretty amazing.”"

The biggest draw to trading for Kimbrel, besides the seemingly unhittable bullpen that the Yankees would create upon his arrival, is the fact that they would likely be receiving him for a fraction of what his real trade value is. Kimbrel is owed $24 million over the next two seasons, and the Padres could very possibly be willing to unload him just to get his salary off the books.

With the acquisition of talented outfielder Justin Upton going to waste on a team with a losing record, the Padres are looking to shop their 27-year old All-Star. This makes Yankees outfield prospects Jake Cave and Tyler Austin potential trade options that could net Kimbrel.

While adding another premier arm to the bullpen is far from the team’s biggest need, a trio of Kimbrel, Betances and Miller closing out games would certainly give opponents nightmares. If the Yankees can add a four-time All-Star reliever in his 20s for cheap, why not go for it?

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