The New York Yankees have won four games in a row and are clearly surging.
They do, however, need some upgrades at critical positions.
For example, they could use another top starter or two, and since Justin Wilson and Zack Britton don’t seem to have returned from their injuries in top form, they can also find a spot for a good reliever.
Offense remains a priority, however, especially the outfield.
It remains to be seen how aggressive the Yankees will be in their quest for trade targets, especially if they are rentals.
They do have an impressive pool of prospects available to trade: shortstops Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe, catchers Anthony Seigler and Austin Wells, second basemen Trevor Hauver and Josh Smith, outfielder Estevan Florial, and pitchers Deivi Garcia, Ken Waldichuk, Janson Junk, Glenn Otto, Yoendrys Gomez, Luis Gil, Luis Medina, and many more.
These are the two players that would best fit the Yankees’ current needs.
2. Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers
The Yankees have several needs on offense.
There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Luke Voit’s knee (even though he is reportedly close to performing baseball activities), so they may need a first baseman.
Center fielder Aaron Hicks was lost for the season and Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, and Miguel Andujar have been underwhelming, to say the least.
The Yankees could, as a result, use an outfielder to avoid playing them or the likes of Greg Allen, Ryan LaMarre, Trey Amburgey and Hoy Park.
They also need power to give some thump to the lineup.
The perfect deadline acquisition for the Yankees, and the one who can help them cover all those holes and/or situations, is Joey Gallo.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the Yankees are interested in Texas Rangers left-handed hitting All Star outfielder Joey Gallo as the trade deadline approaches
How you guys feeling about that?
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) July 14, 2021
Gallo is a plus-defender in the outfield and is also capable of playing some first and third base in an emergency.
He is also a premier source of power, with 24 home runs and 52 RBI.
Overall, some may see his batting average and think he wouldn’t be worth the investment for the Yankees, as it is currently at .231.
However, thanks to his .386 on-base percentage and his .502 slugging percentage, his OPS is a strong .888.
Power and patience are his game, and that’s what the Yankees need.
The fact that Gallo is under contract in 2022 as well makes him expensive, and the Rangers may be unwilling to discuss him.
But it’s definitely worth a shot for the Yankees.
1. Starling Marte, Miami Marlins
Even at 32 years old, Starling Marte remains a highly productive player, as he is hitting .293/.390/.451 with a .842 OPS for the Miami Marlins.
Unlike Gallo, he would be a rental for the Yankees, because he is slated to hit free agency after the season.
He could be, theoretically, easier to acquire than Gallo because he is older and closer to free agency.
That means the quality and quantity of the prospects the Yankees would have to give up is supposed to be lower.
Hey @Yankees now trade for starling Marte and let’s get this thing rolling
— Savy (@savino_steve) July 19, 2021
But it also means that there will be more competition for his services.
Marte still offers an enticing power-speed combo, with seven homers and 19 stolen bases this season in limited time due to injuries.
He is also capable of playing all three outfield positions, including center field.
The Yankees badly need someone who can play center field and produce offensively, and Marte fits the description.
Will the Yankees be able to pull off a deal?
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