Hal Steinbrenner isnât like his old man. The New York Yankees will no longer one-up every other team in Major League Baseball to get the best free agents in the market. Theyâll, instead, trade for aging players and sign them to massive contract extensions.
Brian Cashmanâs M.O. has remained unchanged regardless of the teamâs failure to reach, let alone win, another World Series. Heâll let other teams go to war in free agency and then try to land a star in the trade market.
Thatâs exactly what happened again in 2022. But judging by the start of the season, itâs clear that the Evil Empire needs to get to work and make some moves to improve the roster. With that in mind, letâs take a look at 3 potential trade targets for the Yankees.
MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Potential Targets For The New York Yankees
3. Willson Contreras
Willson Contreras- Getty Images
Losing Gary SĂĄnchez was great for defensive purposes but terrible in terms of offensive production. The Chicago Cubs signed Yan Gomes and traded most of their World Series-wining core last season, so Willson Contreras could be the next to go.
Contreras would provide the Yankees with an elite backstop who can also rake. The Cubs havenât reached out to him about a contract extension, so they could be forced to move him at a discount before he walks away as a free agent.
2. Frankie Montas
Frankie Montas- Getty Images
While Aaron Boone seems fully confident in his starting rotation, itâs clear that the Yankees could use another reliable arm on the mound. The Oakland Athletics traded away nearly every good player on their roster but Frankie Montas.
Montas hasnât exactly been lights out to start the season, going 1-1 with a 4.76 ERA and 1.059 WHIP with 12 strikeouts on 11.1 IP. But heâs a proven veteran whoâs durable and capable of handling a big workload, which is more than we can say about most of the Yankeesâ starters.
1. Cedric Mullins
Cedric Mullins â Getty Images
The Baltimore Orioles are bad. Like, really bad. And theyâre not trying to get better any time soon. Cedric Mullins is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the game and could be a big improvement for them at center field over the injury-prone Aaron Hicks.
Mullins can steal a handful of bases, has great contact, and is an outstanding fielder as well. Also, heâd give the Yankees another much-needed left-handed hitter at a more than reasonable price.
