Yankees have two clear needs at MLB trade deadline according to ex-GM
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Yankees have two clear needs at MLB trade deadline according to ex-GM originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees might not be the first-place team in the American League East, but there's no denying that this team is a top-tier World Series contender.
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So, when discussing the August 3rd trade deadline, it would come as no surprise to view the Yankees as prospective buyers. The much more interesting question is what does this team need?
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed the two top needs the Yankees have this upcoming trade deadline, and both were, ironically enough, positions they tried addressing last year.
Yankees' top two trade deadline needs revealed by former MLB GM
"Trade deadline position: Buyers." Bowden writes. "... They are still not getting enough offense from third base and could improve the bullpen as well going forward."
Starting with the bullpen, the Yankees have gotten inconsistent production from their relievers this season, especially those they acquired last year at the deadline.
David Bednar has a 5.14 ERA, though he's recorded 11 saves and blown two. Camilo Doval has a 5.19 ERA, while Jacob Bird has a 4.91 ERA.
Fernando Cruz has a 2.25 ERA, Brent Headrick has a 2.31 ERA, and Tim Hill has a 1.45 ERA. Those are three solid reliever options, but realistically, the Yankees need more out of their bullpen.
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Their third base spot is similar, with 2025 trade deadline pickup Ryan McMahon producing well below expectations this season. He has a .183 batting average, three homers, and a .541 OPS on the year in 120 at-bats.
Amed Rosario and Jose Cabellero could be in-house options at third with Anthony Volpe's return to shortstop, but a trade deadline pickup could be in the cards as well.
The 29-19 Yankees are expected to be buyers come the August 3rd deadline, barring a historic collapse. And according to Bowden, if they are buying, third base and reliever are the two spots fans should be keeping an eye on for Aaron Boone's club to acquire.
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