3 outfielders for New York Yankees to target at trade deadline
By David Hill
The New York Yankees are not hiding their preference for the trade deadline.
According to reports, the Yankees are targeting outfield help at the trade deadline. Considering Joey Gallo has been a disaster and Aaron Hicks has not been much better, it is understandable that the outfield would be a focal point. Add in the fact that Aaron Judge is playing out of position in center and Giancarlo Stanton is spending far more time in the outfield than anyone would want, and it is clear that is a need.
Three outfielders for New York Yankees to target
Identifying that need so early could be a positive and a negative. On the positive side, the Yankees could strike before another team gets the chance to, getting a few extra games out of a player that improves the lineup could make a difference. On the negative side, teams could raise their asking price, at least until the deadline gets closer.
The New York Yankees are looking to upgrade their outfielder. Let’s take a look at three possible options that they could target.
Andrew Benintendi
The New York Yankees need help in the outfield. The Kansas City Royals are already shopping Andrew Benintendi. It is time for the two sides to pick up the phone.
Benintendi has put together a solid season thus far for the Royals. He has posted a solid .305/.370/.393 batting line in his 308 plate appearances entering Friday. While he is not going to hit for much power, with three homers and 11 doubles on the year, his ability to make contact and play at a Gold Glove level in left have plenty of value.
That would be the case with the Yankees as well. Benintendi’s presence would allow Joey Gallo to slot in at right field and keep Giancarlo Stanton as the primary designated hitter. Or, as may be more likely, allow the Yankees to mix pieces in and out in right, trying to find the hot bat at the time.
He also fills a desperate need on the Yankees’ roster. The Yankees have three left handed hitters – Gallo, Matt Carpenter, and Anthony Rizzo. While they have a pair of switch hitters as well, their roster is very right handed. Benintendi would help balance the roster out.
Andrew Benintendi is going to receive plenty of attention on the trade market. The New York Yankees should pick up the phone and bring him on board.