The New York Yankees have had a strong offseason so far.
They were able to re-sign Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, two centerpieces of their lineup.
It was also just announced that they are signing pitcher Carlos Rodon to a six-year, $162 million contract.
Carlos Rodón is a New York Yankee pic.twitter.com/bFYdvTc3W7
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) December 16, 2022
This gives their starting rotation even more firepower, elevating it to one of the league’s best.
However, they shouldn’t be done there.
Here are two trades the team should look to make to continue improving their roster for 2023.
1. Acquire Bryan Reynolds
Pittsburgh Pirates star Bryan Reynolds has made it clear that he wants out.
The team has been bad in recent memory, but Reynolds has broken onto the scene as a star.
As a switch hitter, Reynolds provides a balanced approach at the plate.
June 29, 2022 … Bryan Reynolds 3 Home Run game against the Nationals #Pirates #VandyBoys pic.twitter.com/ESVtMPRlAz
— GSH (@gman416) December 12, 2022
He is also an above-average defender in the outfield.
These are both things that the Yankees could desperately use.
On top of all this, Reynolds is under team control for three more seasons, so he wouldn’t become a free agent until 2026.
The Yankees need to make the Pirates an offer they can’t refuse, including a package of Jasson Dominguez and Oswald Peraza.
If they want to win now, this is the move that could take them over the top.
2. Acquire Luis Arraez
This may seem like a random trade, but the Minnesota Twins have mentioned moving the reigning AL batting champion.
He would almost fit too well in the Yankees order.
Luis Arraez #MyLeftFielder pic.twitter.com/wDU1WGlv6r
— Ryan Garcia (In the Lab🧪) (@RyanGarciaESM) December 10, 2022
Luis Arraez, with his .316 average and .375 on-base mark, would fit in perfectly at the top of the lineup.
He is a different type of hitter than anyone on the Yankees, and is the perfect complement to their big sluggers.
A package including Gleyber Torres, Oswald Peraza, and Clarke Schmidt should be enough for the Twins, who are used to dealing with the Yankees.
Arraez could then serve a utility role, filling in around the infield when needed.
However, he would likely become the every day second baseman as DJ LeMahieu shifts over to third.
While this trade hasn’t been talked about, it is one that could go a long way towards improving their lineup, especially come playoff time.
NEXT: Yankees Fan Calls On Team To Sign A Key Free Agent
Van says
So you want to trade one of their top prospects, their starting second basemen ( who btw will play 4 more full MLB seasons before his 30th birthday and who has 100 career HRs), plus a decent 4th or 5th starter for a utility guy? (Your words not mine). Yeah no thanks… I can see Bryan Reynolds, although I firmly believe they will regret trading “the Martian” if and when they do. But that second trade is a dumpster fire.