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5 Players New York Yankees Need To Trade For By Start of 2015 Season

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By @IanClarkMcEwan

5 Players New York Yankees Need To Trade For By Start of 2015 Season

Yankee Stadium Flag
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

With the departure of New York Yankee legend Derek Jeter, the Yankees find themselves stuck between rebuilding and contending. While they do have some prospects with upside, it does not appear there are any reinforcements coming from the minors in 2015. To improve for 2015, they'd be wise to try to buy low on some bounce back candidates and hope to get lucky. Here are five candidates for them to acquire before 2015 begins.

5. Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton Batting
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

5. Josh Hamilton

Josh Hamilton Batting
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

No longer an MVP caliber player, Josh Hamilton still managed to post a 1.1 WAR season in only 89 games. Health will be an issue for the rest of his career, but there may be no ballpark better suited to his left-handed fly ball approach than Yankee Stadium as his display in the 2008 Home Run Derby attests. The Los Angeles Angels have discussed dealing him, and the Yankees could likely acquire him without giving up much in the way of prospects.

4. Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce Swing
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce Swing
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Another fly ball hitting left-handed batter, Jay Bruce struggled mightily last season and could be on the move if the Cincinnati Reds decide they do not want to rebuild with him. While he posted a -1.1 WAR in 2014, Bruce averaged 3.5 WAR from 2010-13. Entering this season at 27 years old, Bruce should have plenty left in the tank, and if the Reds decide to move on from him as they did Mat Latos, the Yankees could be a terrific fit.

3. Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon Swing
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

3. Charlie Blackmon

Charlie Blackmon Swing
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On the surface, Charlie Blackmon had a strong 2014. 2.0 WAR, 19 HR and 28 SB. However, his batting average was 92 points lower on the road than at home, and he saw that average fall 41 points in the second half of 2014. But his steals look legitimate, as he stole bases through his minor league career. There have been rumblings the Colorado Rockies are fielding calls for his services, and the Yankees would be wise to investigate his availability.

2. Joey Votto

Joey Votto Ready
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2. Joey Votto

Joey Votto Ready
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Joey Votto saw his isolated power fall for the third straight season in 2014, but was able to maintain his incredible plate discipline and his defensive metrics remained steady. His .255 batting average appears to have been a blip of bad luck, as his BABIP was 56 points below his career average. If he is the player he was last season, he is an improvement over an aging Mark Teixeira. If he rebounds to 2008-13 form, he is an instant game changer.

1. Troy Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki Batting
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

1. Troy Tulowitzki

Troy Tulowitzki Batting
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Arguably the best player in baseball when healthy, there have been rumors the Rockies would need to be blown away to deal Troy Tulowitzki, but that they're open to it. If he's available, the Yankees should spare no expense to acquire his services. A shortstop in the mold forged by Cal Ripken and Jeter himself, Tulo is a five tool player who was worth 5.1 WAR last season in only 91 games. If he plays in 150, he will win an MVP. He's that good.

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