3 outfielders for New York Yankees to target at trade deadline
By David Hill
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.