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.