April 4, 2022
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For this week's discussion, we asked our writers to share the players they think the Yankees will acquire during the 2023 season.
Here are their responses:
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Ed Botti - Without getting sarcastic and saying Cashman will trade for any pitcher Billy Bean tells to him to trade for (OK, I lied!), I will look to the rotation and suggest two potential trade targets (since 60% of the staff is currently hurt, and who actually knows if and when they all make it back. First, the one that would make sense for the Yankees is a deal for Brewer righty Corbin Burnes. His Arbitration hearing loss to the Brewers has left him with a chip on his shoulder (according to sources), A free agent after 2024, he would be a good target. He may cause sticker shock to the Yankee brass, so I can see them pivoting for lefty Martín Pérez if and when Texas falls out if it. I am not saying I see Pérez as a perfect fit, but I could see them trading for him.
If a closer, or a player they see has the ability to close, becomes available, they should be opened minded. I would definitely check in with the Dodgers about the status of Evan Phillips.
Diamondbacks lefty set up man Andrew Chafin could also throw some valuable innings for the Bombers.
Position player wise, a lefty hitter off the bench (Matt Carpenter!!) with some power would be nice, someone along the lines of Charlie Blackmon from Colorado, although Charlie will need a clean shave!!
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Tim Kabel - I believe the Yankees will acquire one or more of the following players:
David Bednar of the Pirates
José Leclerc of the Rangers
Andrew Chafin of the Diamondbacks
Alexis Diaz of the Reds
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Paul Semendinger - I see the Yankees trying to find some outfield depth. Here are a few possibilities:
Mike Yastrzemski - the name itself caries weight. He can play centerfield. He hits lefty. It is doubtful that the Giants contend.
Austin Meadows - a lefty-hitting outfielder. the Tigers won't contend. He has good power...
Jackie Bradley, Jr. - another lefty-hitting outfielder. The Royals probably acquired him in the hopes that he shows something and can trade him this summer. He used to be an excellent defender. He seems like the type of player, 33-years-old, the Yankees would pick-up with the hopes of catching lightning in a bottle.
Brad Miller - a guy who can play everywhere, is 33, and is two years removed from a 20-homer season. Texas would probably be happy to deal him. A lefty-bat. He seems like this year's Matt Carpenter.
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Mike Whiteman - I believe the Yankees will pick up the following players this summer:
Cody Bellinger
Kyle Freeland
Aroldis Chapman (if he keeps throwing 100+, all is forgiven)
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Andy Singer - I'm going to throw out a few random targets:
Seth Brown - serious left-handed pop, a lot of speed, and an ability to cover ground in LF at Yankee Stadium. He's a perfect fit as part of a solution in LF.
Austin Meadows - similar story to Seth Brown, but a bit more expensive and a bit more track record.
Hunter Harvey - the once all-world prospect with Baltimore has stabilized as a really good middle reliever with Washington. He'd add length to the bullpen and his stuff remains huge.
Austin Hedges - I can't help but feel like the Yankees will need a catcher at some point this season due to injury or under-performance, and Hedges should come cheap. He's a good defender with a good arm, no hit tool, but weirdly solid pop if he makes contact.
Perhaps the biggest area of concern right now for the Yankees is pitching. I don't really see a positional move happening, at least not for a star player or a big contract, though a bit-trade designed to provide a positional upgrade realistically exists - in terms of Cordero. Perhaps by the Deadline, some team will suffer a big injury at third base or in the outfield, which could make moving Hicks or Donaldson remotely possible.
Cashman should have traded Montas to kick off the offseason, then he could have signed Tyler Anderson. That was the play folks. I was all over that one, but alas. Obviously Bader is an injury train wreck so Cashman should have pulled the tirgger on…
None of these will come to pass unless we shed contract dollars.
Trade I would make …. Corbin Burnes to NY!
Grandson of Yaz would be a nice pickup. No, just no on JBJ.
wellllllll, the Phillies are looking a little ragged
and the Yankees have a pallid offense and really need a 30 year old high-salaried right fielder with iffy defense.......