3 big names on the trade block Yankees should target

The Yankees will be very active in free agency this offseason, but Brian Cashman could also retool New York’s roster by trading for a big-name star. 

It’s no secret that the Yankees are going to use MLB free agency to bolster their roster for a hopeful run at a World Series title this offseason. That doesn’t mean the idea of GM Brian Cashman reshaping Aaron Boone’s roster via a big trade should be overlooked.

Cashman and his front office are always looking for creative solutions to improve the team. The salary limitations placed on the Yankees in recent years by Hal Steinbrenner have prevented Cashman from using a blank check to solve the team’s problems.

That’s why keeping an eye on the trade market is a must for all Yankees fans this offseason. Here are three big-name players who could move to the Bronx via a big trade in the coming weeks.

3. Matt Olson

The Yankees are being strongly linked with first basemen like Anthony Rizzo and Freddie Freeman in free agency but some believe Olson is actually Cashman’s top target. His powerful left-handed bat would be an ideal fit in the heart of New York’s order between Aaron Judge and Brian Cashman.

The challenge with acquiring Olson from the Yankee perspective is that they’d need to compensate Oakland. That’s why using free agency to fill the potential void at first base seems to make more sense. Things could change dramatically on that front if high-profile targets sign with other teams or if the Athletics seem interested in Luke Voit as a potential centerpiece of their trade return.

At the very least, Olson is a guy Yankees fans need to keep an eye out on as the MLB Hot Stove heats up. If Cashman is willing to part with a premium prospect or two he could easily end up in pinstripes ahead of next season.