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) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 20: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 20, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

3. Whit Merrifield

The Yankees mashed a ton of home runs in 2019, but a large portion of their power seemed to evaporate in the postseason. That’s going to cause Cashman and his front office to think long and hard about adding some better contact hitters this winter.

Merrifield will remind Yankees scouts of DJ LeMahieu. That transaction worked out well for the Yankees last year. Acquiring Merrifield would require a trade rather than a simple free agency signing, but it’s still a move worth exploring for the Yankees.

Merrifield’s durability will also appeal strongly to a franchise that struggled mightily with injuries last year. He played all 162 games for the Royals last year and still managed to hit for a high average of .302 to go along with 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

His positional versatility also can really help the Yankees in 2020. He can play second base and either corner outfield spot with ease. Adding a versatile defender who can hit for average and steal bases seems like a no fit for New York.

The difficult question here is what the Royals might want for arguably their most important player. One young player ready to play right now and another top prospect should be enough to satisfy the Royals’ front office.

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