It’s been clear for a while that the New York Yankees are on the clock. As the MLB trade deadline inches closer, the front office will be moving decisively. The team will aggressively target the right-handed hitting third baseman and a starting pitcher. This time, the Yankees have no appetite for standing still. However, until the deadline arrives, the team is somewhat relieved to get their hands on their dynamic infielder, who will shortly rejoin the lineup.
It’s Yankees’ $5.85 million star Jazz Chisholm Jr. who was taking batting practice in Somerset, New Jersey—the home of Yankees’ double-A franchise. It’s been exactly a month since Chisholm last appeared on the field. He left in mid-game on April 29th against the Baltimore Orioles with an apparent right oblique discomfort. The MRI revealed a high-grade strain that has three tears.
Now, a month later, Chisholm has signaled to the Yankees that he’s ready to be back on the field. In fact, by Thursday, Chisholm can begin a rehab assignment with the Patriots.
Hopefully, next week he’ll be back in the lineup. In fact, it came to light that Chisholm wanted to skip the rehab and return early.
But then again, oblique injuries are notoriously tricky, and the Yankees are not willing to take a chance. Right now, the team’s priority is straight. “We’ve got to be smart about it because those ribcages can be tricky, but he looks really good. I don’t want to put a specific timeframe, but (he could return) sooner than later.” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.
They want full recovery of their injured players, not a rushed return. Cause, until the trade deadline hits and they dive straight into the market, they will be relying on Chisholm to take over third base.
Before his injury setback, he used to exclusively play second base. He hit .181 with 7 home runs, 17 RBIs, and a .714 OPS across 125 plate appearances. Chisholm is a versatile player, and as it seems, he will return stronger than ever as the Yankees take a sigh of relief. But when the trade deadline hits, the Yankees might have a tough time landing a third baseman who checks all the boxes.
What options do the Yankees have at this year’s MLB trade deadline
Clearly, the Yankees are narrowing their focus. They need two key upgrades: a right-handed hitting third baseman and a starting pitcher to bring stability to their rotation.
They are set to make a strong push for the postseason. Until then, you already know Chisholm Jr. will be taking over the third base spot. And well, the Yankees have shown their longtime interest in Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon. However, he hits left-handed. And the Yankees need a right-handed pitcher currently.
Ke’Bryan Hayes from the Pittsburgh Pirates could also be a potential option. He’s a right-handed hitter too. The problem with Hayes is that his numbers have dropped. This season, he has recorded a .580 OPS and holds a career .687 OPS in nearly 2,000 at-bats.
Except for these options, at this deadline, the Chicago White Sox are likely to be the sellers. But they don’t seem to have a third baseman for the Yankees’ standards. There was little buzz around Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. But then again, with a .698 OPS this season, he doesn’t look like the right fit.
While filling third base is tricky, for pitching, the market has some promising options. The team is in search of elite arms. According to sources, Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins is available. Moreover, Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers is drawing interest too.
Many teams are also contending for Pablo Lopez from the Minnesota Twins. That being said, the Yankees only need one or two smart additions in their lineup. It’ll be enough for the team to become the elite World Series contenders.
The post Yankees Get Much Needed $5.85M Boost Amid Aggressive Market Movement for Targets Before MLB Trade Deadline appeared first on EssentiallySports.