Yankees rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, 2 to avoid

Yankees rumors: 2 trade deadline deals to avoid, No. 1: Tyler O’Neill, OF, Cardinals

The New York Yankees made a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals last year, which did work out for both sides. Jordan Montgomery did nothing but win for St. Louis in the second half of last season, while Harrison Bader became one of New York’s best hitters. Could they explore a trade once again?

New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman noted in a recent article that Tyler O’Neill could be a trade candidate for the Cardinals if they opt to sell. Additionally, Heyman said that O’Neill would be a fit for the Yankees.

O’Neill was a solid hitting outfielder that the Yankees would have loved to add back in 2021, where he slashed .286/.352/.560 while hitting 34 home runs and knocking in 80 runs. But since O’Neill has failed to replicate those numbers. Last year, he was limited to 96 games due to injuries. This year, the injuries were an issue once again, specifically a lower back strain that has sidelined him since he last played on May 4.

In just 29 games, O’Neill recorded a .228 batting average, a .283 on-base percentage, a .337 slugging percentage, two home runs, six RBI, 12 runs scored, and 21 hits.

Besides the injury O’Neill is dealing with, he hasn’t put up the hitting numbers that the Yankees desperately need.

Yankees rumors: 3 trade deadline deals to make, No. 1: Randal Grichuk, OF, Rockies

New York’s issue had been their home run or bust roster in recent years. As evidenced during their current slump without Aaron Judge, they need batters who can pick up hits and get on base. When looking at the available options, Randal Grichuk of the Colorado Rockies stands out.

The Yankees know Grichuk well, as he used to play for the Toronto Blue Jays. Not to mention that he hit 17 home runs against the Yankees, his second most against a team, which his 21 against the Baltimore Orioles being the most.

Grichuk played in just 39 games this season after recovering from sports hernia surgery. However, he has made the most of his at-bats so far this season. He holds a .297 batting average, a .367 on-base percentage, a .426 slugging percentage, one home run, 15 RBI, 23 runs scored, and 44 hits.

Sure Grichuk is not the big name that Yankees fans will be clamoring for. However, he will be a relatively cheaper option for them, considering he is a free agent. This could be one of the moves the Yankees make, especially if general manager Brian Cashman is adamant about not moving on from most of the team’s top prospects.