The New York Yankees are seeing struggles this season that they aren't used to. These trade deadline targets could come in and be immediate stat leaders.
For years, the New York Yankees have been a juggernaut at the top of the league but have struggled to see any deep playoff success. Despite this, they are expected to be one of the top teams in the MLB year in and year out.
But that expectation has been shattered in 2023 as the Yankees have fallen off a cliff ever since Aaron Judge ran through a wall for the team. But the Bronx Bombers aren't one to roll over and die. They will likely be big time buyers at the trade deadline, potentially targeting a few players that could come in, fill big holes and even lead their team in a few statistical categories.
Yankees rumors: Cody Bellinger would lead the Yankees in AVG, OBP, SLG if acquired at the deadline
Cody Bellinger is having a complete career resurgence in 2023. But that kind of production, paired with the Chicago Cubs struggles could end up with Bellinger being dealt to a contender. There may not be a team that could use his bat more than the New York Yankees, where Bellinger would come in and lead their team in plenty of statistics.
Over the last three seasons, Bellinger had declined after his MVP year in 2019. But with a tremendous slash line of .298/.355/.491, it appears as though the former MVP is getting back to his former self where he could help a team make a deep playoff push. The Yankees are the perfect match and Bellinger would fit perfectly in the middle of their lineup, as he would lead them across the entire slash line.
Adding Bellinger and seeing the eventual return of Aaron Judge could begin to push the Yankees up the AL Wild Card and the AL East standings. With the injuries in the Yankees outfield, Bellinger would slot in as an everyday starter right away. His lefty/righty splits are practically even as he's slashing .280/.327/.420 against right handers and slashing .338/.416/.647 against southpaws. Bellinger would be an everyday player and stat leader in the Yankees clubhouse.
Yankees rumors: Nolan Arenado would lead the Yankees in 2B, HR, H, if acquired at the deadline
Before we get too deep into this discussion, let's preface something. A Nolan Arenado trade isn't likely to go down at the trade deadline, as of right now. FanSided's MLB Insider Robert Murray wrote:
With that being said, a team like the Yankees would drool over the possibility of making a deal for the superstar third baseman. They certainly have the money to make the deal and depending on which prospects they're willing to part with, they would have the prospect capital.
Arenado would come into New York and give them a middle of a lineup bat for years to come right next to MVP Aaron Judge. Arenado would currently lead the Yankees in almost every offensive category including hits, doubles, average and a tie with Aaron Judge in home runs. This trade isn't the most likely to occur, but wouldn't it be a dream come true for Yankees fans?
Yankees rumors: David Robertson would lead the Yankees in saves if acquired at the deadline
Every season, the MLB Trade Deadline is filled with relief pitchers on the move. Even the Yankees are big time buyers in the reliever market year after year, as they have acquired Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino over the last few seasons. They will absolutely look to add to this track record of acquired relievers this year, potentially targeting the New York Mets fill in closer, who would lead the Yankees in saves this year.
When Edwin Diaz went down in the World Baseball Classic, David Robertson stepped up as the Mets closer until Diaz could return. This was expected to be a big role, as the Mets looked to make a playoff push going into the season. But after some struggles, they will likely be sellers at the trade deadline with the expiring contract of Robertson likely to be dealt. His potential landing spot may be just 30 minutes down the road.
The Yankees could use a reliever of Robertson's talent and experience to lock down games at the back end of their bullpen. The veteran has recorded 12 saves this year, pitching to an ERA around 2 and a WHIP around 1. The Mets closer would be the backend pitching talent that could help lock down games to push the Yankees towards a playoff spot.
