Yankees should trade for Adam Jones while Aaron Judge recovers

The New York Yankees should trade for Adam Jones while Aaron Judge continues to work his way back from a broken wrist.

It’s impossible to believe the New York Yankees need to upgrade their lineup, but here we are. NewYork is dealing with a crush of injuries including Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge on the DL, while Giancarlo Stanton is trying to play through a balky hamstring.

With Judge behind schedule in his rehab from a broken wrist, the Yankees should be looking at any and all options for outfield help. While the trade deadline has come and gone, the waiver deadline isn’t until Aug. 31, allowing for teams to complete deals.

With Curtis Granderson and Adam Jones both clearing, the Yankees should aggressive in landing one of them, with Jones being the better fit. While the long-time Baltimore Orioles star has a full no-trade clause, New York could offer a nice package to the last-place club, and hope they convince him to accept the deal.

Jones, 33, is scheduled to become a free agent after this year. The veteran is hitting .285 with 13 home runs and 49 RBI this season, to go with 31 doubles. The five-time All-Star isn’t the dominant force he once was, but he would be an immediate upgrade over the likes of Shane Robinson, who has been a mainstay in the order since Judge went down.

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New York isn’t going to catch the Boston Red Sox in the American League East, who lead the division by a robust 10.5 games entering action on Aug. 17. Still, the Yankees suddenly find themselves having to worry about holding onto the top Wild Card spot, with the surging Oakland A’s only three games back. The Seattle Mariners are also threatening New York’s hold on any playoff seed, sitting 5.5 games behind the Yankees.

Jones would certainly be able to find some at-bats even when Judge returns to the lineup, and could serve as a key weapon off the bench when the playoffs come calling.