The New York Yankees don’t seem to be finished with their 2020 offseason wish-list, especially as talks with Josh Hader of the Brewers progress. With third baseman Miguel Andujar developing into a trade option, it boils down to prospects and who the Yanks are willing to part with if they’re keen on adding one of the best relief arms in baseball.
In a tentative deal with Hader, trading away No. 1 pitching prospect Deivi Garcia makes complete sense, as the value of his abilities could be reaching a peak. The transition from minor leagues to the MLB is not always a successful one, ask Chance Adams, who was just traded to the Kansas City Royals. The Yanks also sent Justus Sheffield, their expected top farm dog, to the Mariners in exchange for James Paxton, who was a serviceable starter in 2019.
The New York Yankees could dip into their prospect farm:
Sometimes, utilizing youth talent in trades is the best way to upgrade any given position immediately, rather than having to wait several years to use their services in a meaningful way. Garcia is still at least one year from playing a significant role for the Yankees, and at 21-years-old, there’s no reason to rush him to the top, especially after the signing of Gerrit Cole, arguably the league’s best pitcher.
The Bombers are in a fantastic position to make a serious run at a World Series title in 2020, and adding valuable pieces that can contribute towards a successful campaign is essential. The Yankees haven’t reached the World Series in a decade, which attests to owner Hal Steinbrenner’s enthusiastic attitude this offseason. General manager Brian Cashman was given the green light to pursue all talent, and this subsequently opens the door up for trading Garcia, who has dominated in the minor system at times.
Last year, Garcia jumped from A-Class ball to AAA in three months, making him the youngest pitcher to climb the system in the Yankees’ ranks. With a stacked starting rotation and adequate bullpen, if Cashman sees any weaknesses that could become problematic, Garcia could be a valuable commodity in a potential deal.