Jun 30, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (left) takes relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (right) out of the game against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
With the trade deadline just five days away, the Yankees are expected to be one of the more active teams. The Bombers, who’ve dropped two-of-three games to the division-leading Red Sox in their current four-game series, have disappointed so far in 2021, but they are on the look for bats to help them bounce back into contention.
Yankees Fishing For Marte?
According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, the Yankees are monitoring the market for Marlins’ outfielder Starling Marte. Marte has recently been involved in a clubhouse scuffle and contract negotiations that have broken off, so a move from Miami seems imminent. At age 32, Marte is still producing at a high level and playing a respectable center field. Marte is slashing .295/.395/.446 and a 135 wRC+ this season.
The Yankees have struggled to find answers in the outfield.
Brett Gardner has floundered, Clint Frazier can’t stay on the field and Tim Locastro blew out his knee just after being acquired by the Yankees. Aaron Judge has been on the COVID-19 list since the second half started. They start the morning at 51-46 and nine games out of the AL East lead. They’ve lost two winnable games in a row to Boston to start their recent series and are sinking further and further out of the playoff hunt.
Can Cashman Answer Mile-High Price On Story?
On the other hand, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com is reporting that Brian Cashman is also looking into Rockies’ shortstop Trevor Story.
Story, one of the more prized bats on the market, is having a down year in 2021. He has just 12 home runs in 307 at bats this year, and his OPS is over 100 points below his career average. Story is expected to be moved, but some reports suggest that the All-Star may stay in Denver through July 30 and be presented with a Qualifying Offer in the winter.
The Yankees, much like they are with their outfield, are trying to figure out their infield, as well. Gleyber Torres has not performed to the level they had hoped, and frankly their entire infield has underperformed. Feinsand noted that if the Yankees were to bring Trevor in, it would likely push DJ LeMahieu to first base, Torres to second, and then Story would slot in at shortstop. Luke Voit, their regular first baseman, is on the injured list for the third time this year.
Teams Trying To “Shut The Door” On Deal For NL’s Best Closer
The Mets and Phillies have both been connected to current Cubs’ closer Craig Kimbrel, who is having a career revitalization. After failing to post an ERA under 5.28 over the last two seasons, Craig Kimbrel is currently pitching to a 0.51 ERA over 35.1 innings. He has secured 22 saves so far this year but has seen his role diminish with the Cubs as a team diminished.
Jon Heyman of MLB Network reported that the Phillies are exploring their options to add to the worst bullpen in baseball, which includes the 35 year-old righty Kimbrel. The Phillies are making a serious run at the all-time single-season blown saves record for a single team, so Kimbrel makes the most sense.
Metsmerized’s own Mike Mayer is also reporting on the trade sage of Kimbrel, this time inserting that the Mets are interested in the closer. The Mets have seen their own share of bullpen issues, with Jeurys Familia, Edwin Diaz, Seth Lugo, Miguel Castro, and Trevor May all struggling at different points through the season. The Mets also have a handful of injuries in their pen, with Sean Reid-Foley, Robert Gsellman and Corey Oswalt all on the shelf.
