The New York Yankees trade deadline in 2022 will be an interesting one to watch.
There are already tons of Yankees trade rumors, including some connected to the best players available at the deadline.
Of course, the Yankees aren’t going to be able to make every trade available, so who are the Yankees’ trade targets and what will be their biggest needs at the deadline?
Yankees trade deadline 2022
With the best record in the majors at the all-star break, it’s hard to find too many glaring needs on New York’s roster.
At the same time, it’s not hard to listen to the Yankees trade rumors and figure out the Yankees trade deadline targets. With a championship in their sights, the Yankees’ trade deadline in 2022 is bound to have some action. Let’s take a closer look at their specific needs and key targets.
Outfield
For the most part, the Yankees’ trade deadline in 2022 will revolve around the outfield. Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton have hidden some of the shortcomings in that area. But it’s clear the Yankees are disappointed with the production of Aaron Hicks and Joey Gallo, and that the team is unwilling to give Miguel Andujar a fair shot.
That means the Yankees’ trade targets will include a slew of outfielders with the Bronx Bombers potentially acquiring multiple outfielders before the trade deadline.
Of course, the availability of Juan Soto is something to watch with the Yankees. A Soto trade package would come at a great cost, although it would give the Yankees an unfair middle of the lineup with Soto, Judge, and Stanton together, not to mention Anthony Rizzo and Matt Carpenter.
However, the Yankees can’t afford to put all of their eggs in Soto’s basket. Andrew Benintendi is the next best outfielder available on the trade market and a more realistic target for the New York outfield. Ian Happ would also provide a strong defensive presence and some versatility. Also, keep a close eye on David Peralta, as he’s a veteran hitter who could do a lot of damage as a left-handed hitter at Yankee Stadium.
Starting Pitcher
Other than adding a big bat, the Yankees’ trade deadline in 2022 will likely include the pursuit of a starting pitcher. For what it’s worth, the same five pitchers have started all but four games for the Yankees this season, so there has been remarkable consistency in New York’s rotation. But the Yankees have to be wondering how their starting pitching success during the regular season will translate to the postseason.
Could Nestor Cortes or Luis Severino drop off as their innings count builds? Is Jordan Montgomery someone you want starting a big postseason game? This could lead the Yankees to pursue a starting pitcher just to be on the safe side.
Naturally, Cincinnati’s Luis Castillo will be an option, as he’s clearly the top starter available. The enigmatic Frankie Montas could also be a mid-rotation starter for the Yankees despite his struggles winning games for the lowly A’s this year.
It’s also possible that the Yankees will have their eye on Noah Syndergaard. The former Mets ace knows how to pitch in New York and has postseason experience. He’s also had a good bounce-back campaign and could provide depth and another option for the Yankees in the playoffs.
Catcher
With Jose Trevino being an all-star, the Yankees aren’t necessarily in the market for an upgrade behind the plate. But with the Willson Contreras trade rumors running rampant these days, there’s no reason for the Bronx Bombers not to at least consider it.
After all, the Yankees haven’t gotten much offensive production from backup Kyle Higashioka, so a timeshare between Trevino and Contreras could make sense. Also, given their outfield troubles, Stanton has been called upon to play in the field more, opening the DH spot for Contreras to take on days that he doesn’t catch.
In a way, that could help the Yankees to give their offense a boost without acquiring an outfielder.
Bullpen
Any team with championship aspirations is going to look to improve its bullpen at the trade deadline. The Yankees are in no way an exception to that.
Obviously, Aroldis Chapman isn’t the pitcher he was a few years ago. But with the performances of Clay Holmes, Wandy Peralta, and Michael King, the Yankees still have a strong contingent of relievers. But adding depth and experience to the bullpen wouldn’t be a bad idea.
For experience, there’s nobody better on the trade market right now than David Robertson of the Cubs. His teammate Mychal Givens would also be a good addition in a potential package deal.
Speaking of package deals, the Tigers have a host of relievers who could be available in a trade, including Gregory Soto, Michael Fulmer, and Andrew Chafin. Daniel Bard and Alex Colome of the Rockies, Steve Cishek of the Nationals, and Lou Trivino of the A’s also come to mind as veteran relievers who could contribute to the New York bullpen.
Defense
The numbers say that the Yankees are a solid defensive team. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be thinking about defense at the deadline, particularly in the outfield.
If the Yankees can’t land a big bat in the outfield, they could pivot and a defense-first center fielder, especially with Judge starting to play center field more frequently.
Kansas City’s Michael Taylor or Washington’s Victor Robles could both fill that need, as could Pittsburgh’s Jake Marisnick. These wouldn’t be major deadline additions, although they could help the Yankees shore up their roster ahead of the postseason.
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