The Yankees can’t really replace Aaron Judge, but moving for one of these five guys could help the team stay afloat during the slugger’s absence.
Last night’s win over the Royals was a costly one for the Yankees. Aaron Judge left the game in the fourth inning after being hit in the wrist with a pitch in an earlier at bat. Initial reports claim the slugger will miss at least three weeks of action due to the chip in his bone.
Obviously, that’s put Brian Cashman on high alert. The clever GM knows that swinging a deal to replace Judge’s production in the lineup is almost impossible. Thinking about trades for Bryce Harper is fun, but the Nationals aren’t going to move him in the next several days.
As such, Cashman has to turn his attention to targets who can help soften the blow of Judge’s injury absence. The first player he might turn to has already had a successful spell in the Bronx.
5. Curtis Granderson
The Blue Jays have already sent J.A. Happ to the Yankees, but you have to believe they’d be willing to send Granderson right behind him. He isn’t helping Toronto go anywhere this season and there’s almost no chance the team will re-sign him this winter. If the Jays can get anything of value for Granderson they’re going to move him.
He isn’t nearly the athlete he used to be, but he does have the ability to play any of the three outfield spots in a pinch. The Yankees should never really consider using him in center, but he’s at least made two appearances there this season for Toronto.
The real question is whether or not Granderson still provides enough value to really be an upgrade. He’s only hitting .229 this year but he does have nine home runs. That power total could go up with the short porch at Yankee Stadium.
Don’t expect the Yankees to give up anything of actual value for Granderson, but Cashman might take him if Toronto is willing to give him away. It would be a fun reunion, but it might not help the team all that much on the field.