New York Yankees: 3 options for the outfield
It was not that long ago that the New York Yankees had an impressive amount of outfield depth. With the number of options that they had on hand, including designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees were even able to swing a deal involving one of their outfielders. Mike Tauchman was traded to the Giants in a move designed to shore up the Yankees’ bullpen, a move that made sense at the time.
But the Yankees also have an outfield filled with injury risks and general question marks, making that Tauchman trade a gamble. And that gamble, while it paid off in the bullpen, busted in the outfield. Injuries have once again reared their head, with Aaron Hicks expected to be sidelined for months due to wrist surgery and Stanton on the Injured List as well.
Three options for New York Yankees in outfield
The other players on the active roster are not exactly a given either. Aaron Judge is seemingly one step away from his own stint on the IL at any point in time. Clint Frazier is battling nagging injuries and has struggled. Brett Gardner looks every one of his 37 years. And Miguel Andujar has not been able to replicate his rookie season. The Yankees need help.
But which players are out there that the New York Yankees can choose from? Let’s look at some options.
A rumored trade target
It is not surprising that the New York Yankees are already exploring the trade market. However, their first rumored target is a bit of a surprise.
According to reports, the Yankees are talking to the Rangers about one of their outfielders. While that is not a surprise amongst itself, given that Texas is expected to be sellers, the surprise is that the Yankees are looking at Delino Deshields Jr.
Signed as a minor league free agent, Deshields has performed well at Triple-A thus far. He has produced a .412/.500/.706 batting line in his 40 plate appearances entering Friday. He has shown some unexpected pop with two homers and two doubles while also stealing a base.
Deshields is not that player at the major league level. He is, however, a solid defensive outfielder with speed, a possible dynamic option that the Yankees need. Even more enticing, he would not cost much to acquire, especially as he needs to be added to the roster by June 1 or he can opt out of his deal.
Delino Deshields Jr. may not be the type of player that the New York Yankees typically look to acquire in trade. But he could be exactly what they need as a fourth outfielder.
New York Yankees internal options
In theory, the New York Yankees do not even need to make a trade. They have their options in Triple-A that could be useful without giving up another piece.
The Yankees had acquired Greg Allen during the offseason, sending a minor leaguer to the Padres in exchange for a player that was expected to compete for a bench role. Instead, he ended up being sent to Triple-A, where he has put together a solid start to the season. Allen has posted a .250/.400/.286 batting line in 35 plate appearances, hitting a double and stealing three bases.
He is actually similar to Delino Deshields Jr., a player that the Yankees are rumored to be pursuing. Both are fast players with limited power, capable of playing all three outfield positions. Deshields may have a bit more upside, but he has also has had much more of a chance than Allen to prove himself at the major league level.
The Yankees also have Socrates Brito at Triple-A. Brito is the type of player that the Yankees have had success with recently – a one time highly regarded prospect who had been unable to find much success at the major league level. After a promising showing in 2015, he has posted a 24 OPS+ in 184 major league plate appearances since.
However, he has had success at the Triple-A level. His .245/.302/.367 batting line in 53 plate appearances thus far may not impress, but Brito does have a career .831 OPS at that level. As he is also capable of playing all three outfield spots, he could be worth a chance.
The New York Yankees need outfield help. They may have a solution sitting in Triple-A.
An obligatory mention
It is impossible to have any type of trade target list without mentioning Kris Bryant, and the New York Yankees are no exception.
Just one year after posting his worst season in the majors, Bryant is back with his best. The Cubs’ star has posted a .308/.401/.615 batting line in his 167 plate appearances entering Friday, hitting 12 doubles and ten homers. In addition to getting time at his accustomed third base, Bryant has played all three outfield positions this year and has even seen time at first.
The problem is that the Cubs have yet to determine their direction for this season. It all hinges on whatever they do in May – if they have a strong month, they will hold on to their stars and attempt one more run. Otherwise, those impending free agents will be on the trade block where they could fetch a large return.
Bryant would solve several issues for the Yankees. Not only would he be able to add another potent bat to the lineup, but he would also be the perfect option in case Gio Urshela is injured again. But this would be entirely contingent on the Cubs falling off the pace and making him available.
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The New York Yankees need to improve their offense and need another outfielder. Kris Bryant would do both instantly.