The New York Yankees are in a slump, but with the MLB trade deadline nearing, they have a chance to boost their lineup and pitching staff.
Since June 15, the Yankees have the third-worst batting average in MLB (.225), and only three everyday hitters boast an above-average OPS+. Their starting pitchers have struggled, with Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, and Marcus Stroman all experiencing difficulties, resulting in a combined 6.24 ERA – the worst in the league over the past six weeks.
Given their situation, most teams the Yankees approach will likely target Spencer Jones from their farm system. While the Yankees are reluctant to trade their No. 2 prospect, they might consider it for a significant return, such as Tarik Skubal or Garrett Crochet.
The Yankees can still make notable improvements without trading Spencer Jones or Jasson Dominguez. Despite not having the strongest farm system, there’s valuable talent available, particularly among players who are close to being MLB-ready.
Everson Pereira (Yankees No. 5 Prospect)
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Outfielder Everson Pereira is a prime candidate for a trade. He is MLB-ready, performing well in the minors, but lacks a clear immediate spot on the Yankees’ roster due to Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and prospects Dominguez and Jones being ahead of him. Despite undergoing elbow surgery in June and missing the rest of the season, his solid performance before the injury (10 home runs, .859 OPS in 40 games) makes him a valuable trade asset.
Brock Selvidge (Yankees No. 10 Prospect)
Left-handed starting pitcher Brock Selvidge, the Yankees’ third-round pick in 2021, has been on the rise. Despite average numbers in Double-A and a recent biceps injury that kept him out of the MLB Futures Game, Selvidge remains a promising prospect. Trading him might be painful for fans, but it could be a necessary move to strengthen the team.
Agustin Ramirez (Yankees No. 20 Prospect)
Catcher Agustin Ramirez is another trade possibility. Despite strong hitting in Double-A Somerset (.942 OPS, 16 HR in 58 games) and currently adjusting to Triple-A, his defensive skills behind the plate are questionable. A scout predicts he’ll hit in the majors, though possibly not as a catcher. The Yankees could trade him to fill other needs, such as first base, where they hope rookie Ben Rice and veteran Anthony Rizzo can contribute.
