The New York Yankees certainly have plenty of incentive to make a splash.
With a week to go before the trade deadline, the Yankees are a punching bag for criticism from their own fans and derision from other teams. The four-error performance in Wednesday’s series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays was the worst game they’ve played in recent memory.
Part of getting back on track is improving this roster, which has some obvious holes, by next Thursday at 6 p.m. EST. Fortunately, the Arizona Diamondbacks may be able to toss the Yankees a lifeline.
After their sweep at the hands of the Houston Astros, the D-backs look like sellers at 50-53. And not only do they have the biggest bat available at the deadline, but two of the most intriguing starting pitchers as well.
On Wednesday, Noah Camras of Dodgers Nation predicted that the Yankees would acquire third baseman Eugenio Suárez and either starter Merrill Kelly or Zac Gallen in the “biggest blockbuster” of the entire deadline.
“Suarez entered Wednesday slashing .254/.325/.598 with 36 home runs and 86 runs batted in. He would instantly turn the Yankees’ third base issues around, and give them a formidable bat behind Aaron Judge,” Camras wrote. “But that’s not all.
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“The Yankees also need starting pitcher help, and the Diamondbacks have two pitchers — Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly — that could be moved at the deadline. The Yankees will package one of them with Suarez to complete what will be the biggest blockbuster of the deadline as New York competes with the Blue Jays for the American League East crown.”
Suárez, Kelly, and Gallen are all rentals, but this would still require a massive prospect investment from the Yankees. But suddenly, the system is full of hard-throwing right-handers, many of whom are likely to be ready for their debuts next season, and that matches up well with what Arizona will be demanding.
It’s going to take something bold to reverse the Yankees’ momentum, but a move like this would certainly qualify.
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