New York Yankees: 3 players to put on trade block
![Jun 12, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Zack Britton (53) throws a pitch in the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/36e2273b95daa51063979531037c90e530f348c4e712585db8afa7a1d54cf475.jpg)
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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.
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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.
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Darren O’Day
Darren O’Day is not the type of acquisition that will generate many headlines. However, he could be a key piece to solidify the middle of a bullpen.
O’Day has made a living from giving right handed hitters fits. With his low sidearm delivery and fastball/slider combination, he can give the opposition fits when he is right. He has been a valuable part of the bullpen for contending teams, having reached the postseason six times in his 14 year career.
Although he has just 11 appearances this season after signing a minor league deal, O’Day has been solid for the Yankees. He has allowed just three runs on eight hits and two walks over his ten innings, striking out ten batters. Those numbers will certainly improve the bullpens of almost every team.
Sometimes, it is not the top reliever on the market that can make a difference. Adding those pieces to the middle of a bullpen, especially a veteran who has plenty of postseason experience, can drastically help. That is the case with O’Day, as he could be the type of under the radar move a team could use.
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The New York Yankees have several bullpen pieces that could help a contending team. Darren O’Day may not be exciting, but he can make a difference.