It’s been a while since the New York Yankees last won a World Series. Moreover, even though they have one of the most powerful lineups in Major League Baseball, it’s been a while since they’ve been a true contender.
Brian Cashman’s conservative approach with trades could be one of the reasons why that’s happening. Teams often do moves that are questionable in the long-term but help the team compete right away, and maybe that’s just what the Yankees are lacking right now.
That’s why Jim Bowden of The Athletic decided to play GM and gave Cashman some insight on which players to pursue before the deadline, now that they’re panicking after a weekend sweep vs. the Detroit Tigers.
Jim Bowden: Trade Candidates For The New York Yankees
“They need to replace injured center fielder Aaron Hicks …with an athletic leadoff hitter who can set the table for their big boppers, steal a base, and show exceptional range in center. The Yankees have internal candidates for the job, but as much as I like Brett Gardner, he’s more of a fourth outfielder at this point in his career. As much as I see the potential of Clint Frazier, he’s better on one of the corners. And prospect Estevan Florial, whom the Yankees called up Thursday, just isn’t major-league ready. (…) Therefore, the Yankees need to target Cedric Mullins of the Orioles, Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks and Adolis García of the Rangers,” he stated.
“Second, the Yankees should focus on Luis Castillo of the Reds, Kevin Gausman of the Giants and Germán Márquez of the Rockies for starting pitching,” he added.
Sure, Cashman isn’t known for making these kinds of moves but that’s exactly what’s been holding the team back over the past couple of seasons. The foundation is there, the core is there, it’s time to be aggressive.