This trade deadline season, the New York Yankees need to act quickly to turn their momentum around. Ideally, they would have made a game-changing trade already, but the second-best time is now.
Brian Cashman has been linked to a variety of targets, which makes sense given the numerous gaps in the roster. The Yankees might face more needs than the market can supply this summer, but it’s promising that they’re being connected to powerful infielders and bullpen reinforcement with high strikeout potential.
While there aren’t as many perfect solutions as the struggling team would hope for, some recent rumors could help solidify the roster ahead of August and the stretch run. However, a few potential moves seem out of character or could even indicate some hypocrisy from the Yankees.
2 Yankees trade rumors that would be excellent, 1 that would be less than ideal
Love This Rumor: Jonathan India to the Yankees
India’s availability hinges on whether the Reds fall out of the playoff race this week. The Yankees have shown confirmed interest in him, and if a deal doesn’t materialize, they might partly be to blame. The Reds’ position on the fringes of the Wild Card race is partly due to their sweep of the Yankees at the start of July.
Frustrated fans often argue that targeting contact hitters is futile and that the Yankees need more power hitters. While there’s some truth to that, acquiring a true leadoff hitter would significantly improve the lineup ahead of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Jonathan India brings some power (21 homers in his Rookie of the Year season and 17 in 2023), but his standout skill is his on-base percentage. He pairs a .275 average with a .377 OBP this summer.
India excels in drawing walks (94th percentile) and rarely chases pitches (99th percentile). He’s a competitive player who would add much-needed tenacity to the Yankees’ lineup. For now, the best the Yankees can do is hope the Reds lose ground in the playoff race before the trade deadline.
Love This Rumor: Jack Flaherty to the Yankees
The Yankees might not think they need a starting pitcher with Clarke Schmidt reportedly returning at some point, but it’s always wise to bolster pitching depth. In this seller’s market, any trade will come at a premium, but acquiring a rental is more feasible than securing a top-line arm like Garrett Crochet for multiple seasons.
Instead of trading Spencer Jones, who is currently struggling, for Crochet—who might be shut down or relegated to the bullpen by the end of the summer—the Yankees should consider Chris Kirschner’s suggestion: trying out a resurgent Jack Flaherty for two months.
Although Flaherty comes with injury concerns, the 28-year-old has been impressive this season, posting a 2.5 bWAR with 127 strikeouts in 100.2 innings and demonstrating excellent command. A two-month trial for a player in a contract year, at a moderate cost, could provide the shakeup the Yankees need.
Hate This Rumor: Jazz Chisholm’s “Character Concerns” Will Keep Him Away From Yankees
Chisholm is generating considerable buzz as a trade target this summer, and his confidence often seems greater than his 103 OPS+ would suggest. While he has the potential to rise to the occasion, he also carries a higher risk. If the Yankees could snag a reliever in the deal as well, it would make the trade more appealing.
Robert Murray of The Baseball Insiders mentioned concerns about Chisholm’s past behavior in the clubhouse, though he’s reportedly improved in that area this year. This concern is valid, especially given Chisholm’s production doesn’t quite live up to his reputation. However, considering the Yankees’ history with players like Aroldis Chapman and Domingo Germán, it’s a bit ironic for them to raise such concerns now.
The rumor about a Jameson Taillon reunion could also fit here. It’s puzzling that the Yankees might take on $18 million for Taillon’s next two years, especially after passing on him in the 2023 offseason. If the deal goes through, it would be an unusual use of resources, even though Taillon has shown improvement.
Ultimately, the fear of him thriving with the Red Sox adds another layer of complexity, leaving us in a state of uncertainty until the trade deadline passes.