The New York Yankees have been putrid enough since returning to the All-Star break that they should consider selling at the trade deadline. Here are three players they should deal for a decent return.
There was reason for skepticism about the New York Yankees‘ chances to contend for a World Series this year. Yes, they did retain Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, but it was the relatively same roster from the 2022 campaign returning. The very roster that couldn’t buy a hit throughout their run to the American League Championship Series. Once Judge suffered a torn ligament in his right big toe back in June, it may as well have been the proverbial nail in the coffin for the Yankees.
The Yankees have gone 15-21 since Judge was sidelined, as of the morning of July 19. The hitting is virtually non-existent, their once mighty bullpen is struggling, and there are numerous mind-numbing errors, whether in the field or on the base paths. Yet, manager Aaron Boone is still preaching patience even though more gasoline has been poured on the fire. Why is that? Because the team is still not that far out of a postseason spot.
On Wednesday night, the Yankees fell into an early 6-0 hole in their series finale against the Los Angeles Angels. Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon, who they signed this offseason, struggled early. The bats once again couldn’t do much damage. Franchy Cordero hit a huge double but negated it after running into an easy out at third base despite a ground ball being hit right in front of him.
With. this, the Yankees faithful are urging the team to sell at the Aug. 1 trade deadline. If they were to do, which is entirely doubtful given how much faith Boone, general manager Brian Cashman, and owner Hal Steinbrenner have in the team, here are three names they should flip to get a decent return to help retool for 2024.
Yankees trade assets they should sell for 2024 reboot, No. 3: Isiah Kiner-Falefa, INF
In waiting for Anthony Volpe to get ready for the majors, the Yankees brought in Isiah Kiner-Falefa to be their stopgap shortstop in that fateful trade with the Minnesota Twins that also brought Josh Donaldson to the Bronx. Kiner-Falefa, who was a Gold Glove winner, struggled defensively at the position during the 2022 season, which prompted the team to have a revolving door of different options in the postseason.
This year? Kiner-Falefa has thrived as the team’s utility player. He has played center field, left field, right field, third base, second base, and shortstop. He committed just three errors on the year, one each at right, center, and third base.
In 74 games played, Kiner-Falefa recorded a .251 batting average, a .309 on-base percentage, a .369 slugging percentage, five home runs, 24 RBI, 29 runs scored, and 51 hits in 203 at-bats.
In a recent column, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal noted that the Yankees may try to cut the payroll so they can get under the highest luxury-tax threshold in the form of moving on from impending free agents. Kiner-Falefa is one of them, as he’s owed $2 million at the trade deadline. Considering teams’ needs for depth across the team, Kiner-Falefa could provide just that.
Yankees trade assets they should sell for 2024 reboot, No. 2: Wandy Peralta, RP
Another name that The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal lists as a potential trade piece if the New York Yankees try to cut payroll at the trade deadline is relief pitcher Wandy Peralta, who is set to make $1.2 million at the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
When it comes to the deadline, teams in postseason contention will try to bolster their bullpens. It has been a recent trend, especially as they look to add pitchers who can get teams out of jams in meaningful postseason situations. Look no further than the Houston Astros last year, as the relievers Ryan Pressly, Bryan Abreu, and Rafael Montero, and starter Christian Javier threw a no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series.
In 42 games this season, Peralta recorded a 2.48 ERA, a 1.266 WHIP, 30 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 36.1 innings.
Teams that either need bullpen help or want to further bolster it to put it over the edge, will be calling all over the league to see which relievers are for sale. For the Yankees, they could find some value for Peralta, instead of watching him potentially leave for nothing in free agency.
Yankees trade assets they should sell for 2024 reboot, No. 1: Gleyber Torres, 2B
When it comes to a New York Yankees player with the most value right now not named Aaron Judge, it is second baseman Gleyber Torres.
For Yankees fans, their relationship with Torres is complicated. While he has shown to be one of the Yankees’ best all-around hitters, especially during their struggles without Judge, he does have lapses in the field and on the base paths. He does have nine errors at second base, which is the most for any player at his position across the majors.
Again, Torres’ bat could be something that teams at the trade deadline could be interested in. Not to mention, he does have one more year of arbitration remaining before he becomes a free agent after the 2024 season.
Through 95 games, Torres recorded a .264 batting average, .333 on-base percentage, .430 slugging percentage, 14 home runs, 39 RBI, 55 runs scored, 94 hits, 57 strikeouts, and 38 walks in 356 at-bats.
The time for the Yankees to look toward the future is now. They have Anthony Volpe starting at shortstop, with fellow top prospect shortstop Oswald Peraza up filling in for an injured Josh Donaldson. If there was any moment for the Yankees to utilize a middle infield of Volpe and Peraza, it’s now.
Let’s not forget that Torres was nearly traded by the team at last year’s deadline in a potential deal with the Miami Marlins for starting pitcher Pablo Lopez. The Yankees ultimately backed out of the deal at the last minute.
If the Yankees can get a meaningful return for Torres, general manager Brian Cashman should consider finalizing a trade.