As the end of July approaches in a few weeks, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman plans to be aggressive in strengthening the roster to solve several significant weaknesses. Currently, the most obvious concerns are at first and third bases.
The Yankees recently elevated prospect Ben Rice to help solve their first-base conundrum. Rice has delivered consistently in a small amount of outings. The organization expects Rice will continue to grow quickly into a reliable contributor this season, particularly by improving his batting and remaining at least adequate defensively at first base.
Despite Rice’s potential, the Yankees are considering signing more experienced players at the deadline, targeting a variety of veterans with expiring contracts who may considerably improve their deep postseason hopes. Here’s a look at four prospective first basemen that could fill the Yankees’ needs if Cashman makes a transaction.
The Yankees may be interested in four first-base prospects. Pete Alonso
The Mets would hate to deal Peter Alonso to the Yankees, but if it means obtaining prospects in exchange with the expectation that Alonso will go in free agency anyway, it may be in their best interests.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of arbitration and earns $20.5 million. This season, he’s batting.241/.323/.469, with 16 home runs and 42 RBIs, a 20.5% strikeout rate, and a 9.4% walk rate. While Alonso may not have a great batting average, he can hit home runs quickly and would be a valuable addition to the Yankees, especially with Anthony Rizzo out with a fractured right elbow. The issue is that the Bombers prefer a southpaw at the position, and Alonso is a righty, but considering his power stats, they are unlikely to be concerned.
The issue is the price the Yankees would have to pay for Alonso, who is highly valued by the Mets and may sign a contract with them in free agency anyhow. The Yankees would have to be aware that he would be a rental, but if he is the missing piece to a World Series victory, the risk could be worthwhile.
2. Christian Walker
An alternative would be Christian Walker, a 33-year-old free agent. The right-handed batter is presently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who are suffering this season. He’s hitting.252/.328/.473, with 17 home runs and 50 RBIs.
Historically, Walker has been a strong defensive player and an above-average offensive player. He would potentially improve the Yankees more than Alonso, and considering Walker’s age, he may be more inexpensive.
Walker currently ranks in the 95th percentile for fielding run value and the 96th percentile for barrel percentage. He makes excellent contact and would be a valuable addition to the lineup.
3.) Paul Goldschmidt.
Another candidate may be St. Louis Cardinals’ 36-year-old Paul Goldschmidt. This season, the veteran is hitting just.231 with a.299 OBP, 10 home runs, and 31 RBIs.
Goldschmidt has been outstanding for nearly 13 years, but he is likely to progress this year owing to age. He’s a tad erratic defensively, but when his bat is on, he’s one of the most productive offensive first basemen in the league. He’s only two years removed from a 176 wRC+, batting.317 with a.404 OBP and 35 home runs. If the Yankees believe he has some gas left in the tank and won’t have to give up much in return, he could be an excellent option.
Ultimately, it depends on what the Cardinals want in return, and it could be a risk for the Yankees given his struggles this season.
4.) Joshua Bell
The poorest choice is Josh Bell, who is currently 31 years old and plays for the Miami Marlins. He’s having a decent season, hitting.246/.309/.381, with eight home runs and 33 RBIs. With a strikeout percentage of less than 19% and 22 home runs last season, he could be a much more cheap trade target, which the Yankees may benefit from given his switch hitting ability.
The problem is that Bell is a poor defensive player, with -8 defensive runs saved and -5 outs above average. The Yankees don’t want to acquire a liability at first base, so Bell is likely the last option, despite having a stronger season than Goldschmidt.ChatGPT
