5 big trades the Yankees can make to become World Series favorites

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 08: Francisco Lindor #12 of the Cleveland Indians reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning against the Houston Astros during Game Three of the American League Division Series at Progressive Field on October 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 20: Mike Minor #23 of the Texas Rangers pitches during the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at Ring Central Coliseum on September 20, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

4. Mike Minor

The Yankees are going to make every effort possible to acquire an ace via free agency. Gerrit Cole is obviously the team’s top target. That doesn’t mean Cashman won’t evaluate the potential trade market for high-quality starters though.

Minor may not be a bona fide ace, but he is a southpaw who can comfortably slot into the Yankees’ rotation as a No. 2 or No. 3 starter next season. That will have a lot of value for Aaron Boone and his coaching staff. It’s particularly important if German does get moved.

It is worth noting that Minor did pitch like an ace last year. He posted a WAR of 7.6 in his 208.1 innings of work. The Yankees would be overjoyed to acquire a pitcher capable of giving them that sort of production next season.

The fact that the 31-year-old left-hander is slated to hit free agency in 2021 might encourage the Rangers to sell him while his value is at his peak. His age also doesn’t fit Texas’ likely timeline for contention. It would be a major surprise if he finishes his current contract with his current team.

In exchange for an established commodity like Minor, the Rangers will be looking for multiple young players who can impact their future. A combination of one young player ready for Major League action plus some quality prospects should be enough to get something done.

Home/New York Yankees