Yankees Spark Trade Rumors With 14 Losses In 19 Games

Once boasting the best record in baseball, the New York Yankees are now grappling with a severe downturn and are in dire need of significant trades to rescue their “championship-or-bust” season. Since achieving the milestone of being the first team to reach 50 wins on June 14th, the Yankees’ performance has faltered, posting a meager 5-14 record. This slump has laid bare persistent weaknesses that demand attention.

The acquisition of Juan Soto fundamentally transformed the Yankees’ lineup, which had historically relied heavily on the contributions of Aaron Judge. However, the overall lineup lacks depth, a chronic issue that has plagued the team for years. Out of the 11 batters with at least 100 plate appearances, only Judge, Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton have an OPS+ exceeding 100. Stanton’s absence has compounded this problem.

Aside from shortstop Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ infield has provided scant offensive support, and even Volpe has struggled in recent weeks. Prior to their victory on Saturday, New York had suffered four consecutive losses and a dismal 14 defeats in their last 18 games, managing to score only 83 runs during this period. This goes beyond a mere “rough patch,” as manager Aaron Boone often describes it—the Yankees are facing a genuine crisis. With a few weeks remaining until the trade deadline, general manager Brian Cashman is reportedly pursuing multiple upgrades.

Yankees Seeking Trade Reinforcements to Stop Spiral

In addition to improving the bullpen, the Yankees must confront the unreliability of their lower lineup positions. While New York boasts numerous players with the potential for impressive performances, they lack sufficient individuals who can deliver consistently on a daily basis.

Upgrade the Infield

The Yankees are hopeful about rookie Ben Rice stepping in for the injured Anthony Rizzo, but there is a pressing need at first base. Rizzo was struggling before his broken forearm, and DJ LeMahieu has been batting .175/.270/.196 since his return from injury.

If the Chicago Cubs decide to sell at the deadline, Cody Bellinger, an outfielder and first baseman, would be an ideal addition. With a batting average of .274, an on-base percentage of .334, and a slugging percentage of .422, along with nine home runs and 37 RBI, Bellinger’s statistics align perfectly with what the Yankees require. Acquiring the former MVP would provide a significant upgrade at first base and add flexibility in the outfield. Bellinger is under contract for two more years with player opt-out options in each of the following two seasons.

Following Gleyber Torres’s apparent re-injury to his groin, the Yankees are rumored to be seeking a second baseman. Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds has been mentioned as a strong candidate. Recently boasting a slugging percentage of .333, an on-base percentage of .419, and a batting average of .593 over his last seven games, India has been in exceptional form and is under team control through 2026. Alongside his stellar defense, India’s 124 OPS+ and 12.6% walk rate would be a valuable addition to the Yankees’ lineup.

The Yankees have also been associated with interest in several other players including Ryan McMahon of the Colorado Rockies, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Luis Rengifo of the Los Angeles Angels.

Beef Up the Bullpen

The Yankees’ recent decline can be partially attributed to the rapid deterioration of their bullpen. After being the best bullpen in baseball for the first two months of the season, they are now just slightly above average with a combined 3.69 ERA, having given up 151 runs in June. With closer Clay Holmes and other recently acquired relievers struggling, the Yankees are actively looking for reinforcements.

According to Jon Heyman, Marlins closer Tanner Scott is one of the top trade targets for the Yankees. Scott has posted a remarkable 1.46 ERA with 12 saves and 41 strikeouts over 36 appearances for Miami this season. Pairing the powerful left-hander with Holmes could form a formidable late-inning duo and bolster the bullpen for the postseason.

The Yankees could also benefit from more strikeout potential in the bullpen, making Chicago White Sox starter-turned-closer Michael Kopech an intriguing option. While Kopech’s stats may not be as impressive as Scott’s, he boasts a 30.7% strikeout rate. The 28-year-old right-hander throws a 99 mph four-seamer and an 86 mph slider, combining for a 31.1% whiff percentage. Kopech is earning only $3 million this season and, unlike Scott, comes with another year of team control.

World Series Outlook

With the trade deadline looming, the New York Yankees are in dire need of assistance across the board to reverse their downward trend. However, with some support, the Yankees could have their most promising opportunity to win the World Series since 2009.