3 moves the Yankees need to make to save their season
By John Buhler
2. Address the centerfield issue by trading for Adam Frazier or Ketel Marte
A glaring hole in the Yankees’ overall roster construction has been exposed with centerfielder Aaron Hicks being out for the season. It has been a lot of Brett Gardner out there, as well as Aaron Judge and Clint Frazier playing out of position. Either way, it’s not working, and the Yankees should do something about it. Fortunately for them, they have some players they could trade for in July.
Two players who would make a lot of sense for the Yankees are Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Adam Frazier of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Neither middle infielder/outfielder plays for a good team, so even if the Yankees are struggling, they would be going to a much better situation. Another upside besides versatility is that both guys are under contract through 2022.
Frazier is primarily a second baseman at this juncture but could be a solid fit in the outfield with his experience there. Either way, his positional flexibility is a plus.
So yes, the Yankees will have to give up a notable prospect or two to be able to land either player from a Senior Circuit bottom-feeder. However, their bats and defensive versatility could be the boost to the lineup the Yankees are in desperate need of. With the Diamondbacks and the Pirates being obvious sellers at the deadline, they will be fielding many offers for their available players.
New York may have the ability to outbid anyone, but the Yankees brass needs to do so wisely.