The New York Yankees made the first major move of the pre-deadline period, bringing in outfielder Andrew Benintendi from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for prospects Beck Way, T.J. Sikkema, and Chandler Champlain.
Benintendi is expected to take over as the new starting left fielder, replacing most of Joey Gallo‘s playing time.
Gallo could find himself wearing a different uniform after August 2.
So, what’s next for the Yankees?
Luis Severino suffered a lat strain and will be out indefinitely, and Michael King joined Chad Green and other injured relievers on the shelf after fracturing his elbow.
New York, therefore, should address the rotation and the bullpen.
How about Juan Soto?
Soto Isn’t A Priority For The Yankees
The Washington Nationals star is said to be available via trade because he refuses to sign an extension, but his team is asking for five or six top prospects and young major leaguers.
The Yankees, especially now that they traded for Benintendi, are not expected to meet this valuation.
“While there’s no word the Yankees are officially out on Juan Soto it’s clear they aren’t currently at the forefront of those talks. So it makes sense they jumped on Andrew Benintendi. SD, STL, LAD and TEX, perhaps due to better prospect matches, seem more involved in Soto talks,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
While there’s no word the Yankees are officially out on Juan Soto it’s clear they aren’t currently at the forefront of those talks. So it makes sense they jumped on Andrew Benintendi. SD, STL, LAD and TEX, perhaps due to better prospect matches, seem more involved in Soto talks.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 28, 2022
Instead, New York is much more involved in the starting pitching market, as they are reportedly “in” on both Luis Castillo and Frankie Montas.
If Soto isn’t traded before the deadline, it seems much more likely that the Yankees revisit the situation in the offseason.
Right now, they acquired their outfielder and are now focused on bringing in some arms.
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