The New York Yankees are creating more questions with their most recent trade.
The most exciting news on Saturday night wasn’t the New York Yankees demolishing the Chicago White Sox to stop a potential sweep in its tracks, it was the trade for slugger, Edwin Encarnacion.
The Mariners star first baseman, who is currently leading the American League with 21 home runs, will join the ranks of the Bombers. Adding yet another power-hitter to the lineup will certainly help the Yankees put runs on the board – they’re clearly following a home run agenda.
With both Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton nearing a return, the lineup will be one of the most intimidating in baseball. My question is – why did they trade for a first baseman and not a star pitcher?
Additionally, what happens to Luke Voit in this trade, considering his efficiency this year? Voit is hitting .263 on the year with 17 homers and 45 RBIs. He’s in the running to make the AL All-Star team. Replacing him with Encarnacion doesn’t make much sense, but here’s what will happen:
The Yankees will utilize Voit as their everyday first-baseman while Edwin features in the DH spot. This indicates that Stanton will be the daily left fielder. Clint Frazier will go back to the bench despite his offensive production. Stanton will move back to left field and Judge to right. With the injury bug being a major issue this season, it’s a safe move adding more firepower to the batting order, however, it doesn’t make much sense not to address the starting pitching rotation.
The Bombers have Frazier, Cameron Maybin, Brett Gardner, Mike Tauchman, and several minor-league prospects to use as trade bait. Rumors have the Yanks and Brian Cashman looking into Madison Bumgarner and a slew of other talented pitchers to supplement the injuries current affecting the rotation.
How does Edwin Encarnacion’s defense compare to Luke Voit’s?
Interestingly enough, both Edwin and Voit have played the exact same number of games this season at first base (45), making the defensive comparison rather seamless.
The former Mariner has committed 2 errors with a .995 fielding percentage while Voit has committed 4 with with a .989 fielding percentage. Clearly, the former has the better glove but has been struggling through a back injury recently.
However, it’s confirmed via Aaron Boone that Voit will remain at first – an interesting move, but they’re likely sticking with the familiar option. It’s also possible they want to rotate the two players to ensure health heading into the latter part of the season.
It will be interesting to see how they utilize the pair at first base moving forward.