Yankees Consider Trading Top Pitcher for Former All-Star Outfielder in Mock Trade…
In a recent mock trade proposed by writers at The Athletic, the New York Yankees could bolster their outfield depth at the cost of one of their key starting pitchers. The hypothetical deal would send Yankees LHP Nestor Cortes, RHP Brock Selvidge, and shortstop prospect Roderick Arias to the Miami Marlins in exchange for center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr., as reported by The Sporting News’ Kevin Hickey.
The Yankees have been considering trading Cortes for weeks. Despite a solid 2024 performance, Cortes faces stiff competition for a rotation spot from Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Cody Poteet once he returns from injury. Selvidge and Arias are also seen as potential trade assets, with Selvidge posting a 3.75 ERA in Double-A and Arias showing promise in Single-A.
Cortes has a 3.51 ERA, an elite 1.105 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts in an MLB-leading 18 starts this season. However, the Yankees might part with him and the prospects for a promising return. Chisholm Jr., an All-Star in 2022, has had a strong 2023 season, with improved doubles and triples totals, and is on pace for nearly 20 home runs.
Acquiring Chisholm Jr. could help keep CF Aaron Judge fresh, as the 26-year-old boasts a .990 fielding percentage with only two errors. However, integrating Chisholm Jr. into the Yankees’ outfield and batting order could be challenging with Judge, Juan Soto, and Alex Verdugo already in place. Additionally, the Yankees may have more pressing needs in their infield and pitching staff.
As the trade deadline approaches, Chisholm Jr. is a name for the Yankees to watch.
