New York Yankees: Trade Deadline Approach Remains Unclear

As July approaches, the New York Yankees are still undecided as to whether to buy or sell at the trade deadline. The Yankees certainly have movable assets, but the team isn’t committed to selling yet.

The New York Yankees have endured their share of struggles this season, as the team has battled injuries. The Yankees were 34-35 entering play Tuesday, sitting in fourth place in the AL East. For most fourth place teams, contending usually isn’t in the cards. But the Bronx Bombers haven’t conceded the 2016 season yet, despite the fact that they could make some big trades if they elect to.

Long time general manager Brian Cashman said the team hasn’t decided at this point if they will hold a sell-off of the likes of Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and others. A few key things factor into the Yankees’ stance at this stage of the season. First, we’re still in June. This year’s deadline isn’t until August 1, so the Yankees, and all other teams for that matter, still have time to decide which path they will eventually take. And the Yankees are one of a few teams, much like the Red Sox and Dodgers, who are expected to compete each and every year.

It may be hard for faithful Yankees fans to deal with, but the reality is the Yankees possess to very enticing trade chips, in Chapman and Miller. Dellin Betances could also be of help to a contender, but Chapman and Miller have garnered the majority of rumors to this point.

More from New York Yankees

• Time for the Yankees to embrace change: A call for Brian Cashman’s departure
• Stock Up, Stock Down: Braves, Yankees, Cubs, Red Sox
• New York Yankees: The harsh decline of Luis Severino
• New York Yankees: 4 players who are on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• New York Yankees: Everson Pereira awaiting call-up in Triple-A

On the other hand, though, the AL East is tight. Entering Tuesday, the second place Red Sox — 39-30 — were just 1 game back of the division leading Baltimore Orioles. The third place Blue Jays were also just 2.5 games back of Baltimore, the smallest margin of any third place team in baseball. The Yankees entered Tuesday 6 games back of the division lead.

If the Yankees feel they can make a real push, they may not move any of their biggest trade chips. The advent of the second wild card could make every team think twice before becoming sellers and looking toward next season.

To his credit, Cashman said he’d recommend a sell off to a degree under certain circumstances. That shows that Cashman truly has the Yankees’ best interest in mind. While Miller is under contract for the next few years, Chapman is set to hit free agency. Sure, the Yankees could extend him a qualifying offer if they keep him, but if they’re not going to contend, it makes more sense to move Chapman.

Miller, not only because of his ability but his team friendly contract — $9 million annually through 2018 — has also been a popular target for many teams.

Next: Players closing in on career milestones

For so many years, the Yankees were the team making all of the big splashes. This trade deadline figures to be an interesting one, as several big-name players could change teams. If the Yankees are able to gain ground in the next few weeks, it’s perhaps justifiable to hold on to their assets and maybe even make a few acquisitions. But if the team continues to stagnate in the lower portion of the AL East, Cashman and Co. should strongly consider being sellers.