New York Yankees Rumors: Five potential Bronx-bound trade options
By Paul Ashley
The Yankees have a very recent history of making a mutually beneficial trade with the Miami Marlins. As the Yankees (likely) do not have the same financial restrictions this offseason as last offseason, could another trade be on its way between the two franchises?
In 2018, Brian Anderson held a .367 AVG, a .439 OBP, and a .583 SLG with RISP through 120 at-bats for the Miami Marlins. Out of players who had at least 120 at-bats for the Yankees last season, rookie Gleyber Torres was the only player to come close to Anderson with RISP.
During these situations, Torres held a .308 AVG, a .368 OBP, and a .589 SLG. As most fans felt comfortable when Torres was up with RISP throughout the season, Anderson would be a phenomenal addition to the Yankees lineup.
Anderson is currently 25-years-old and he is able to play both right field and third base. Through 765.1 innings in right field, he put together a 5.0 UZR. Through 592.2 innings at third base in 2018, Anderson put together a 0.1 UZR.
As a comparison, Miguel Andujar held a league worst -16.0 UZR at third base while Andrew McCutchen held a -0.8 UZR in right field during 1243.2 innings split between the San Francisco Giants and Yankees last season.
Anderson’s ability to hit with RISP coupled with his versatility on defense would greatly help the Yankees next season. Although it may be a questionable move for the Marlins to trade a talented, cost-controlled player in Anderson, the Yankees would be able to give back one or more talented, cost-controlled players in return.
Players such as Tyler Wade, Thairo Estrada, and Domingo German could tempt the Marlins to make a trade that involves Anderson. A trade for Anderson could also help the Yankees avoid dishing out a pricey, ten-year contract to either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado.