MLB rumors: Baseball insider thinks Yankees will make blockbuster trade with A’s

ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney believes that a blockbuster trade between the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics will happen this offseason.

The New York Yankees were surprisingly one of the least active teams during the Hot Stove season prior to the lockout. That caused much angst among the Yankee fanbase, who watched as their favorite team sat idle with some of the top free agents coming off the board. But, there may be a big move coming once the lockout ends.

During an appearance on “The Michael Kay Show,” ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney said he thinks the Yankees will make a trade with the Oakland Athletics for either first baseman Matt Olson or third baseman Matt Chapman.

ESPN insider believes Yankees-A’s pull off blockbuster trade

The interest in Olson makes sense, as New York has a need at first base. Trade deadline acquisition Anthony Rizzo shined for the team once coming over from the Chicago Cubs, but he is currently a free agent. It is unknown what the Yankees will do with Luke Voit, who took a back seat after the acquisition of Rizzo.

Olson recorded a .271 batting average, a 911 OPS, 39 home runs, 111 RBI and 153 hits in 156 games this past season.

But Chapman is an intriguing option, considering Olney mentions that the Yankees have had internal discussions of moving him to shortstop. The three-time Gold Glove third baseman only played the shortstop position in four of his 575 career games, where he earned a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage (one putout, three assists on four chances).

In 151 games this past season, Chapman slashed .210/.314/.403 while recording 27 home runs, 72 RBI and 111 hits.

We shall see if the Yankees and Athletics are able to reach an agreement once the lockout reaches its conclusion. For now, New York fans will contemplate and share their thoughts on the team acquiring either Olson or Chapman.