2 Yankees Trade Rumors We Hope Come True, 1 We Hope Doesn’t Happen
This trade deadline season, the New York Yankees need to act quickly. The optimal time to make a game-changing trade was yesterday; the next best time is right now.
Brian Cashman has been linked to a wide range of targets, which is understandable given the numerous holes in the roster. The Yankees might face more needs than the market can fulfill this summer, but it is promising that they are being connected to powerful infielders and bullpen arms with high strikeout potential.
There aren’t many perfect solutions for a struggling team, but some recent rumors could solidify the Yankees’ roster ahead of August and the stretch run. Conversely, a few rumors feel out of character or could expose some Yankees’ hypocrisy.
2 Yankees Trade Rumors That Would Be Excellent
Love This Rumor: Jonathan India to the Yankees
India is reportedly unavailable unless the Reds fall out of playoff contention this week. The Yankees have shown confirmed interest, and if a deal doesn’t materialize, they partly have themselves to blame. The Reds are hovering on the edge of the Wild Card race, partly due to sweeping the Yankees to start July.
Critics may argue that targeting contact hitters is pointless and that the Yankees need more home runs. While there’s truth to that, bringing in a true leadoff hitter instead of their current underperforming options (ranked 27th in MLB from that spot) would greatly benefit the team ahead of sluggers like Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. India has some pop (21 homers in his Rookie of the Year season and 17 in 2023), but his on-base percentage is his standout attribute, pairing a .275 average with a .377 OBP this summer.
India excels in drawing walks (94th percentile) and has an excellent eye, rarely chasing pitches (99th percentile). He’s a winning player who would add a valuable dose of peskiness to the Yankees. For now, fans should hope the Reds’ playoff hopes diminish.
Love This Rumor: Jack Flaherty to the Yankees
The Yankees might not think they need a starting pitcher with Clarke Schmidt’s eventual return, but more pitching is always beneficial. Any trade will be costly in this seller’s market, but obtaining a rental like Jack Flaherty is more feasible than acquiring a long-term arm like Garrett Crochet.
Instead of trading Spencer Jones at his lowest value for Crochet, who might be shut down or moved to the bullpen by season’s end, the Yankees should consider a two-month stint with the resurgent Flaherty.
Flaherty, 28, has injury concerns but has been solid this season (2.5 bWAR, 127 strikeouts in 100.2 innings). A short-term audition for free agency at a moderate cost would be a valuable shakeup for the Yankees.
1 Yankees Trade Rumor That Would Be Less Than Ideal
Hate This Rumor: Jazz Chisholm’s “Character Concerns” Keeping Him Away from the Yankees
Chisholm’s league-average bat should be the concern, not his locker room presence. He is a highly-touted trade target with more swagger than his 103 OPS+ suggests. While he might rise to the occasion, he is more of a risk than a sure bet. Including a reliever in the deal could make it more appealing.
Robert Murray noted that teams have previously had concerns about Chisholm’s behavior, but he’s reportedly improved this year. While this is a valid concern, given his production doesn’t match his reputation, the Yankees’ hesitation feels hypocritical, especially after retaining players like Aroldis Chapman and Domingo Germán, who have caused significant clubhouse issues.
Additionally, the rumor of a Jameson Taillon reunion is perplexing. Absorbing $18 million for the next two years after passing on his prime years in the 2023 offseason doesn’t seem logical. If the deal happens, it would be an odd use of resources, even though Taillon is improving.
No one wants to see Taillon thrive in Boston, so until the deadline concludes, the Yankees remain in a state of uncertainty.
