New York Yankees: 4 disappointments who should be replaced by the trade deadline

At some point the Yankees will need to consider some type of roster revamp if they continue to fall out of the playoff race.

It’s been a disappointing season for the Yankees thus far who are slipping out of the playoff race just as quickly as they jumped back into the thick of things. Entering Wednesday, New York sits 7.5 games back of the division-leading Red Sox and they are five games out of a Wild Card spot.

If the struggles continue, it won’t be long before changes are made for players as well as personnel.

Of course it would be unfair to label any one particular individual for struggles this season. The Bronx Bombers have been pretty bad all around for the most part. Regardless, at some point general manager Brian Cashman will need to shake things up if the losing continues.

4) It’s time for the Yankees to move on from Brett Gardner

Outfielder Brett Gardner will always be a fan favorite among the Yankees faithful. He’s delivered in the past, and played a critical role to the team’s success during their championship run in 2009. That being said, Gardner’s best playing days are far behind him, and the Yankees can’t afford to keep him in the lineup as a starter.

The 37-year-old is slashing .194/.305/.297 with two home runs and nine RBIs in 165 at-bats this season. Gardner’s current batting average is the worst in his 14-year career, and it’s the second-worst on the active roster.

New York desperately needs some offensive production from their outfielders not named Aaron Judge. Aaron Hicks remains on the 60-day IL, and Giancarlo Stanton has played all but three games as the team’s designated hitter due to injury concerns.

There isn’t a team out there who is going to be willing to offer any type of value for Gardner right now, so the best thing the Yankees can do is designate him for assignment.