Apr 23, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Colorado Rockies relief pitcher Alex Colome (37) walks off the field after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Yankees are in a great position as they head into the middle of June. Not only are they running away with the AL East, but they have the best record in the majors. Aaron Judge is the favourite for the AL MVP award, they have multiple candidates for the AL Cy Young award, and even Joey Gallo has been useful lately.
This is also a roster that has found a way to work around its holes. Judge has become their center fielder and Giancarlo Stanton has not fallen apart despite being used in the outfield. The bullpen, which was a major question mark, has been a strength. It is difficult to find many holes on a team that has already scored ten or more runs ten times this season.
Three trade targets for New York Yankees
That does not mean that the Yankees are flawless. There are areas that they could stand to improve. However, the Yankees are likely to just make some minor moves at the deadline, bolstering their depth, unless something goes drastically wrong.
The New York Yankees do not have many holes on their roster but there are moves to be made. Let’s take a look at three possible trade targets.
Alex Colome
According to reports, the New York Yankees are looking to add pieces to their bullpen at the trade deadline. To be fair, that could be said for every contending team every year.
That same report gave several names that the Yankees are expected to target. The problem is that every contending team is likely to be targeting the same players. As general manager Brian Cashman has gone out of his way to make unexpected moves and find underrated assets, that same approach is likely to take place at the deadline, especially as it comes to the bullpen.
Enter Alex Colome. The Rockies snagged him on a one year deal this offseason, an insurance policy for the ninth inning if Daniel Bard imploded again. While Bard has been solid, Colome has had a strong season in his own right, posting a 2.31 ERA and a 1.286 WHiP in his 23.1 innings, striking out 13 batters with seven walks.
The Yankees have their own closer conundrum. Aroldis Chapman has held down the ninth inning for years, but was shaky at best before landing on the Injured List. Clay Holmes has been a revelation and appears to have taken over the closer spot, but the same could have been said about Michael King when Chapman was placed on the IL. Having someone such as Colome, who has experience in the ninth inning, could make a major difference.
Chances are, the New York Yankees will look for a potentially underrated asset for the bullpen. Alex Colome would be a perfect fit for what they need.
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Eric Haase
Kyle Higashioka hit a home run on Sunday. That is about the only thing that he has done with the bat since an impressive spring training made him the New York Yankees starting catcher to begin the season.
He had entered Sunday with an OPS+ lower than any number he has worn in his major league career. Considering that Higashioka’s first number with the Yankees was 30, that speaks volumes as to his lack of production thus far in 2022.
It also means that the Yankees need to find some help behind the plate. While Jose Trevino has been a revelation, he cannot catch every day. They need someone with some offensive potential and respectable enough defense to fill that backup role. Someone such as Eric Haase.
While Haase has not been stellar with the bat himself this year, he did post a 102 OPS+ in 381 plate appearances last season, hitting 22 homers. He has gunned down a respectable 29% of would-be base stealers, and while he has cost the Tigers a run behind the plate, his versatility makes up for that deficiency. Haase has also spent some time in left, and while he has just one major league appearance at first base, could potentially fit there if needed as well.
The New York Yankees need to upgrade at the backup catcher spot. Eric Haase could be a solid option going forward.
Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports /
Andrew Benintendi
If the New York Yankees are going to make a significant upgrade to the roster, it is likely to be in the outfield.
Yes, Giancarlo Stanton has remained healthy when he has been in the outfield. However, he is not a great defensive option and his previous health issues make the prospect of keeping him on the grass a frightening one. The problem is that the Yankees do not have many other options.
But help can be found on the trade market. Andrew Benintendi is showing that his struggles with the Red Sox are a thing of the past as he has emerged as the Royals’ best player this season. He may only have two homers and ten doubles, but his ability to get on base and make contact would certainly fit in the Yankees’ lineup.
His presence would also make a difference in other areas. A Gold Glove left fielder in 2021, he would allow the Yankees to move Joey Gallo back to right, where he has won Gold Gloves before. Aaron Judge has been good enough in center where the Yankees can push Aaron Hicks to a fourth outfielder role.
Next. Miguel Andujar done with Yankees. dark
The New York Yankees may not target many major pieces at the trade deadline. If they do, Andrew Benintendi could be the best fit.
