As the trade deadline approaches at the end of July, the New York Yankees plan to be proactive. With a lineup already considered capable of winning a World Series, strategically adding important players might set them apart from their strong competition and increase their chances of victory.
Yankees’ Trade Deadline Strategy: Aggressive Moves Ahead.
The Yankees, often known as the Bombers, understand that they must beat the Baltimore Orioles in the American League to reach the World Series. As a result, they are preparing to strengthen their roster with the talent required to face this challenge straight on.
Rethinking Infield Configuration
According to The Athletic, the Yankees are expected to look at prospective additions for first and third base spots. Anthony Rizzo is now playing first base, while DJ LeMahieu primarily plays third base. However, both players have struggled to produce offensively this season.
Rizzo has played 66 games, with a.221 batting average,.279 on-base percentage, and.332 slugging percentage. He has hit seven home runs and collected 26 RBIs. His weighted runs created plus (wRC+) is 78, showing that he is 22% less productive than the typical MLB hitter.
“There’s no question over the last two, three weeks especially, it’s been a little bit of a struggle,” Boone stated on Sunday. “When you go over it and make small changes, they don’t always take immediately. You go out there and say, ‘Oh, that correction didn’t take immediately.’ Maybe you should go back to something different.
Rizzo’s current form, which includes career lows in slugging categories such as a 33.5% hard-hit rate and a 4.3% barrel rate, as well as his declining performance with runners in scoring position, creates concerns for the Yankees, particularly with the playoffs approaching in a few months. Although there is room for improvement, the underlying indicators point to a significant slide rather than a return to his peak performance.
In contrast, LeMahieu has struggled with consistency after returning from a right foot ailment. The 35-year-old’s stats are unimpressive, with a.205 batting average,.326 on-base percentage, and.205 slugging percentage, as well as only one RBI and a 69 wRC+. While the Yankees are willing to give LeMahieu plenty of time to restore his form, there is little hope for a substantial offensive return from his 2022 performance levels. Nonetheless, he remains an important defensive asset.
With LeMahieu projected as a major utility player, the Yankees may consider replacing him at third base. Although Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies has been cited as an excellent candidate, his availability is questionable due to the Rockies’ reluctance to participate in trades despite their disappointing season performance.
Expanding the search for talent
The search for high-caliber infielders is projected to be difficult, considering the scarcity of available talent that matches championship goals. Nonetheless, the Yankees intend to broaden their search, eyeing lower-tier teams that may be willing to deal with quality players in exchange for prospects.
While acquiring top-tier talent is easier said than done, General Manager Brian Cashman is determined to make bold roster upgrades. This season may be the best opportunity in recent years for the Yankees to reach the World Series, emphasizing the importance of their trade deadline activity.
