The New York Yankees were picked by most prognosticators to finish near the bottom of the standings in the AL East. But, in the words of John Sterling, “You can’t predict baseball, Susan.” Right now, the Yankees are atop the AL East despite some obvious flaws. Their pitching has kept them afloat and, so far, their lineup has been healthy with a few exceptions. The Yankees, as always, will be attached to just about every player as the trade deadline approaches. They probably won’t make a big move but you never know. Here are five players the Yankees could pursue in a trade.
Ben Zobrist, IF, Oakland Athletics
Getty ImagesHe just came back from a knee injury so he will need to show that he is healthy. GM Billy Beane is not afraid to trade his players, even if he just acquired them this offseason. The Yankees could use an upgrade at second base where Stephen Drew is one of the worst offensive players in the game right now, even if he is on pace for 15 home runs. Zobrist would give the Yankees a versatile player who can play just about anywhere and would be steady defensively. If the Yankees think Rob Refsnyder isn’t the answer or not ready because of defense, the Yankees could kick the tires on Zobrist, assuming the price is right.
Mike Leake, SP, Cincinnati Reds
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Right now the Yankees’ rotation is healthy now that Masahiro Tanaka is back and they are soon to get Ivan Nova back. That doesn't mean everyone will stay healthy. Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia and Michael Pineda are question marks despite being healthy at the moment. That is just the reality of it. Leake is a middle of the rotation arm that could slide in and be a reliable arm down the stretch. He doesn’t cost a ton and probably won't cost that much in prospects either. The Reds are likely to dump some of their impending free agents and Leake is likely to be traded before the deadline.
Brandon Phillips, 2B, Cincinnati Reds
Getty ImagesThis might be very unlikely because of the money he makes, he still has two years left on a 10-year, $98 million contract he signed in 2008. He also is getting up there in age as he is currently 33, and his power has all but disappeared. However, he is still slashing .311/.346/.394 this year with three home runs and six doubles. His defense hasn't slipped that much, though he is no longer a Gold Glove-caliber second baseman. The Reds might want to dump him for little just to clear up some salary in hopes of signing one of their own free agents. The Yankees might not see Phillips as an answer to their woes at second, but he is certainly an upgrade over Drew. The question is whether the Yankees truly see Refsnyder as the future at second.
Gordon Beckham, IF, Chicago White Sox
Getty ImagesHe is slashing .283/.343/.424 with three dingers and four doubles. He is a slight upgrade over Drew at this point but not much of one over Refsnyder. He is versatile in where he can play with some shortstop, third and second base under his belt. He is not expensive and shouldn't require more than a C prospect in return. If the Yankees feel Refsnyder could use the full year in the minors and need an upgrade over Drew then Beckham could be that guy.
Matt Garza, SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Getty ImagesHe is having an awful year with the Milwaukee Brewers, posting a 5.52 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and only 46 strikeouts in 62 innings. However, the Yankees have been interested in the past and their recent track record seems to be to buy low on pitchers -- like Brandon McCarthy last year and Nathan Eovaldi this past offseason -- and see if they can be fixed. Garza does have experience in the American League with the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Texas Rangers. He could easily return to the 1.4 WAR player he was last year and solidify the Yankees’ rotation at the backend. It all depends on whether the Yankees’ braintrust thinks he can get back to being the player he was.
