New York Yankees: 3 players to put on trade block

The 2021 season clearly has not gone the way that the New York Yankees had hoped. They sit in fourth place in the AL East, with even a Wild Card berth appearing to be a pipe dream. While the Yankees clearly came into the season with a flawed roster, no one expected that they would struggle this much.

Nonetheless, ownership is refusing to raise the white flag on the season. They feel that the roster is still talented enough to contend, and are willing to go over the luxury tax in an effort to get back to the postseason. While that sentiment is nice to hear for the fanbase, it would have been more prudent to actually spend the money during the offseason.

Three players for New York Yankees to put on the block

But there also comes a time when a team has to face facts. Should the Yankees struggle in July, and fall even further behind in the race to the postseason, it will be time to sell. No matter what ownership says, there will be a point where the front office has to look to the future and supplement the roster with less expensive talent.

Let’s take a look at three players the New York Yankees could deal if they decide that it is time to sell.

Gary Sanchez

It is clear that the New York Yankees could love to move on from Gary Sanchez.

On a team where quite a few players have struggled, Sanchez is the only one that had lost playing time. The coaching staff and front office seem determined to make Kyle Higashioka the starter, but his bat just does not play up enough for that to happen.

Sanchez, meanwhile, is in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. He has posted a 130 OPS+, hitting 14 homers and ten doubles in his 236 plate appearances. While his defense and ability to control the running game are mediocre at best, his bat could certainly serve as an upgrade for several teams in the hunt for the postseason.

This may be the perfect time to trade Sanchez. Not only is he in the midst of one of his more productive seasons, but he is also under team control beyond this season. He would be more than a one year rental, potentially leading to a better return.

The New York Yankees seemingly want to move on from Gary Sanchez. This trade deadline would be the perfect time to make that happen.

Zack Britton

Over the years, Zack Britton has been one of the best relievers in the game. An All Star closer with the Orioles, he has primarily served in a setup role with the New York Yankees, although he has proven that he can still handle the ninth inning when Aroldis Chapman has been out of commission.

This season has been a bit of a struggle for Britton. He has spent far more time on the Injured List than on the mound, and is currently sidelined again. However, the expectation is that he will be activated sometime in the upcoming week as this injury is minor.

His numbers have not been as strong as normal due to those injuries. Britton has allowed two runs on three hits and three walks in his 4.1 innings, striking out three. However, his track record may entice a team to bring him on board, especially if he proves to be healthy once again in the days before the trade deadline.

Britton would also be more than a rental. He has a $14 million option for 2022, and a $1 million assignment bonus if he is traded. Should the Yankees be willing to pick up a portion of that salary, they may be willing to add better prospects if the acquiring team wanted to keep him beyond this season.

Zack Britton has battled injuries this season, but he can still be an asset. If he proves to be healthy, and the Yankees fall out of contention, he should be a name to watch.