MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 best spots for Jose Abreu

1

New York Yankees

AL, East

For as much as it would make sense for Abreu to join a playoff contender out west, his best landing spot is in the AL East and he’d have to play in pinstripes. The New York Yankees are about at that point where they’ll have to almost consider putting Aaron Judge at first base. It’s been a black hole for them since Mark Teixeira rapidly decayed in recent years. However, Judge plays surprisingly good defense in right field, so why bother moving him?

The Yankees have solid starting pitching, a great trio in the outfield, and several excellent prospects. However, it’s hard to be a serious threat to win the World Series when the hot corners aren’t giving you much offensively. The Yankees aren’t alone in troubles on the corner infield spots in the AL East. Their arch rival Boston Red Sox have finally punted on that embarrassing hot corner experiment that was Junk Food Panda a.k.a. Pablo Sandoval.

However, the Red Sox don’t have any issues at first base. Mitch Moreland has been solid for them this season, but not to the degree that Logan Morrison has been raking for the other AL East contender Tampa Bay Rays. Leaving the cupboard at a fruitful offensive position like first base is just no longer acceptable for the Yankees.

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Abreu doesn’t have to hit every ball out of the ball park for the Yankees. They’ve got Judge and catcher Gary Sanchez to do that sort of thing. What the Yankees need is a power hitter from the right side that can hit for a high average and provide protection for Judge down the stretch. New York might prefer Miami Marlins first basemen Justin Bour, but Abreu could help the Yankees solve their first base woes.