The New York Yankees will need to make some strategic moves this season if they want to stay competitive at the same level they did last year. While the team made several additions in the offseason, the loss of ace Gerrit Cole for the season has been a major setback. Though they haven’t found a suitable replacement for Cole yet, the Yankees could explore trade options to fill the gap. In addition, they’ll need to upgrade several areas across the roster. Here are four potential trade scenarios that could help elevate the Yankees’ team. It’s important to note that these proposals aren’t all meant to happen at once, as the Yankees’ farm system isn’t deep enough to acquire multiple stars in a single move.
Trade Proposal 1: Yankees Secure an Ace Yankees receive: RHP Sandy Alcántara
Marlins receive: OF Spencer Jones, RHP Ben Hess, SS/2B Roderick Arias, LHP Brock Selvidge
This trade would bring Sandy Alcántara, one of the most sought-after pitchers on the trade market, to New York. Alcántara, with multiple years of affordable team control and Cy Young-caliber potential, would be a significant addition to the Yankees’ rotation. Although a package of four top-10 prospects may seem steep, it’s a reasonable price for a controllable ace like Alcántara.
Trade Proposal 2: Yankees Add Two All-Stars
Yankees receive: 3B Nolan Arenado, RHP Ryan Helsley, RHP Miles Mikolas, $25 million
Cardinals receive: RHP Bryce Cunningham, SS/2B Roderick Arias, RHP Cam Schlitter
In this more complex trade, the Yankees would add Nolan Arenado, a perfect third base solution, and two Cardinals pitchers: Ryan Helsley and Miles Mikolas. Helsley, who could greatly strengthen New York’s bullpen, would make this trade costly for the Yankees. However, they could use the $25 million to offset the salaries of Mikolas and Arenado, with Mikolas potentially being released.
Trade Proposal 3: Yankees Reunite with Former Star Ace Yankees receive: RHP Michael King, INF Luis Arráez
Padres receive: OF Spencer Jones, RHP Ben Hess, RHP Cade Smith
If the Yankees want to avoid the high prospect cost of Alcántara, a reunion with Michael King could be an alternative. King has top-rotation potential and could be a long-term option for New York. Additionally, the Yankees would acquire contact hitter Luis Arráez, who could fill the second base role and provide more consistency at the top of the lineup, setting up Aaron Judge for more production.
Trade Proposal 4: Yankees Take a Shot on a Former Top Prospect Yankees receive: RHP Bobby Miller
Dodgers receive: OF Everson Pereira, LHP Brock Selvidge
This trade is a bit of a high-risk, high-reward scenario. The Yankees could gamble on Bobby Miller, a former top prospect with the Los Angeles Dodgers who currently lacks a clear role with the team. Although the Dodgers are opting for other prospects, Miller could find a starting role with New York. In exchange, the Yankees could part with two prospects to take a chance on him.
