3 outfielders for New York Yankees to target at trade deadline

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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.

Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

Ramon Laureano

At this point, Aaron Hicks is a sunk cost. He may have another three years left on his deal, but he cannot be trusted to be a part of the New York Yankees lineup going forward.

That leaves a gaping hole on the Yankees roster. With Hicks essentially being relegated to a fifth outfielder, Aaron Judge has become their primary center fielder. He has handled himself reasonably well defensively, but it is clear that he is better suited in right.

The Yankees clearly need a long term option in center. One such possibility could be found in Oakland with Ramon Laureano. He has posted a solid .244/.328/.387 batting line with four homers and 12 doubles in his 189 plate appearances while stealing seven bases. His solid skillset offensively would be a great fit in the Yankees lineup.

He also fits their newfound desire for defense as well. Laureano has been a Gold Glove caliber center fielder, someone that can change a game with his ability to track down fly balls or with his arm. He is the type of center fielder that teams do not run on, and if they do, they can just chalk up another out. Add in the fact that Laureano is under team control through 2024, and he is someone the Yankees should target.

The Oakland A’s fire sale is an opportunity for the New York Yankees. Ramon Laureano would solve a lot of problems in the outfield.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Ian Happ

The New York Yankees do not have many outfielders that can play all three positions. Aaron Judge theoretically could, and Aaron Hicks has in the past, but the Yankees need someone that can handle that utility outfielder role.

Ian Happ could do that and, potentially, much more. He can play all three spots in the outfield, as well as second and third, giving the Yankees another super utility player. Happ is another player that would be a longer term answer as well as he has another year of team control left after this season.

He would certainly be an upgrade over Hicks in that fourth outfielder spot. Happ has posted a .280/.382/.457 batting line in his 301 plate appearances entering Friday, hitting eight homers and 17 doubles. He is also setting personal bests in walk and strikeout rate, as he is showing far more discipline at the plate.

Defense would be an issue. Happ is below average at every position on the diamond with the glove which runs contrary to the Yankees’ new mindset. However, the upgrade he provides with the bat would be worth those issues with the glove.

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The New York Yankees want more production from their outfield. Ian Happ may not be great defensively, but he would be an upgrade offensively.

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