Yankees Rumors: Three Players that could get Dealt

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Yankees Rumors – Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Yankees were very active this last season, dealing some great players to build a fantastic farm system. Now, which players are likely going to be dealt according to these Yankees rumors?

The New York Yankees are undergoing a youth movement, in case you were unaware. Despite stating that the organization was not going to enter rebuild mode, the franchise pulled the trigger on dealing some valuable assets. Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Brian McCann, in particular, were dealt to bring great prospects into the New York organization.

Although the Yankees got Chapman back during free agency, the team showed that they perform better under their youth movement. Gary Sanchez stepped up big and is the face of the future for the Yankees. The great part is that most of their youth talent hasn’t even surfaced yet.

The Yankees have a staggering seven players that made the MLB Pipeline Top 100 Prospects list. That is more than the White Sox (6), Brewers (5), and the same as the Braves (7) – all teams regarded as having the best farms in baseball. Of the Yankees seven only one player, Aaron Judge, has actually seen time at the MLB level. The rest of these are lurking in the shadows, and I am ready.

Despite the youth movement being the proper direction the Yankees still made head-scratching signings in the likes of Matt Holliday and Chris Carter. These guys just don’t seem to fit the mold that the Yankees are currently making.

All of this newfound talent has caused Yankees rumors to circulate regarding talents that might get dealt. That is why we are here, as we are going to take a look at three potential players that may get dealt according to the Yankees Rumors.

Rob Refsnyder

Rumors regarding Rob Refsnyder’s departure from pinstripes have been circling for some weeks now. Refsnyder just does not seem to fit into any scenario with the Yankees, as he is blocked in every area. Although the man has played all three bases, and the corner outfield, he does not have a true place in this Yankees team.

Refsnyder is currently listed as the third corner outfield option, sitting behind the starters and Aaron Hicks in both spots. Then, he is the third listed third baseman, second baseman, and first baseman. Of course, some of those players may not be there come Opening Day, but he has no spot.

Because of this, the trade rumors started and they began to circulate. It makes sense too, Refsynder is a talented young guy that could aid several teams in different assets. One spot that may make sense is the Los Angeles Dodgers, getting an effective back-up player for Adrian Gonzalez and Justin Turner.

Another fit may lie within the San Francisco Giants. The Giants need a left fielder, and Refsnyder could provide just that. In this situation, Refsynder becomes a primary starter, and could potentially thrive getting every day at bats.

Regardless of where Refsnyder gets dealt, the Yankees need a good arm to add to the pitching staff. A straight swap for Alex Wood with Los Angeles could be a good move. Wood doesn’t seem to find himself in the rotation and has shown glimpses of greatness. If the deal was with San Francisco, a young guy like Ty Blach may intrigue the Yankees. While in this instance they may not perform a straight swap, that would be an option.

Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner has been a New York Yankee his entire career, and most likely, will be dealt before his contract is up after 2018. Just three years ago the Yankees signed Gardner to a four-year, 52 million dollar contract. Now, at 33 years old, it may be best for the New York Yankees to move on.

Especially considering that Gardner only has two more seasons under contract, the Yankees may be focused on dealing the veteran left fielder. His production has dipped, but not significantly, and Gardner still has trade value with other clubs. Instead of holding on to him for two more seasons, it would be the smartest move if the Yankees dealt Gardner that way Clint Frazier can make his mark on the MLB roster.

There are many fits for Garnder, and likely he would go to another playoff contender. Like with Refsnyder, a move to the Giants could be in the cards. Gardner is a more traditional left fielder and could be a great asset to the Giants leading off games.

Another potential destination for Gardner could be the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have been pretty active this off-season in attempts to cement their status as a playoff caliber team. Needing that coveted third and final outfielder, the Mariners could attempt to get Gardner to potentially play right field. Or, they could slot him in his natural left field and move Jarrod Dyson back to right field.

To get this move done, the Mariners would likely need to send the Yankees pitching. Heck, all of these deals the Yankees should be looking for pitching. Perhaps a package deal of Chris Heston and James Paxton would be enough to satisfy the Yankees.

Dellin Betances

The New York Yankees and Dellin Betances have had some issues here of late. Betances had requested five million dollars in arbitration money, the Yankees instead opting to pay him three million. Although this is the most money a setup man has ever received in his first year of arbitration, Betances is obviously upset.

The problem is that Betances may be a setup man but he would easily be a closer on the majority of teams in the league. There are very few teams that would not slot Betances into the closer role, so the trade options are plentiful for the Yankees.

The great part is the Yankees could get a great investment on just a setup man. We saw them reap the benefits from dealing Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, Betances would likely bring in close to what those two brought in.

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The Yankees would be smart to hold onto Betances until the deadline, waiting until a team in playoff contention becomes desperate. Then, the Yankees could strike and bring in, even more, talent. The team that jumps to mind almost instantly is the Washingon Nationals. The Nats do have Shawn Kelley to potentially close games but lack that game changer that the Cubs needed last season.

The Nationals have been no stranger to dealing prospects as well. They do currently own the seventh-ranked prospect in baseball, outfielder Victor Robles, but I do not think they would be that desperate.

Maybe they are and that is what is Yankees get. More understandable though would be a straight swap between Betances and Erick Fedde – a right-hander who is also a top 60 prospect.

Next: Marlins Team Preview

Well there you have it, there are three players that may get dealt according to these Yankees Rumors.

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