The New York Yankees already made a trade today, sending minor leaguers Hoy Park and Diego Castillo to the Pittsburgh Pirates for reliever Clay Holmes. However, the team needs go well beyond a bullpen arm.
The Yankees need at least a top bat or two, and there are plenty available prior to the trade deadline: Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo of the Chicago Cubs, and perhaps Max Kepler, a left-handed outfielder who plays for the rebuilding Minnesota Twins.
However, at this point in time, the Yankees’ preferred target may be a former All-Star shortstop who, at 28, is still in his prime: Trevor Story. The soon-to-be free agent can reportedly be had via trade, as he hasn’t given any indications he wants to sign a long-term commitment to stay with the Colorado Rockies.
MLB Network’s insider Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees have already made an offer to the Rockies for Story’s services.
Yankees made a trade offer for Trevor Story. No evidence of any traction there at this point. Rockies haven’t definitively decided to trade him, though it would seem there’s a good chance they do.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2021
The Yankees already made an offer
“Yankees made a trade offer for Trevor Story. No evidence of any traction there at this point. Rockies haven’t definitively decided to trade him, though it would seem there’s a good chance they do.â€
For the sake of their franchise, expect Colorado to move Story before the July 30 deadline. The shortstop will have plenty of suitors, however, and the Yankees will have plenty of competition if they want to land him.
“Brewers also have checked in on Trevor Story. Their Adames pickup has been the best in-season move but they seek another big bat. This would clearly qualify,†Heyman also wrote on his Twitter account.
There are several paths towards playing time for Story if he were to land on the Yankees. The most logical one has Gleyber Torres sliding over to second base and DJ LeMahieu picking up the majority of starts at first base, but there has also been talk about Story playing center field, provided he can make a smooth transition.
The talented infielder is having a somewhat disappointing season, hitting .242 with a .313 OBP and a .737 OPS. He does have 12 home runs, however, and would make for a fantastic addition to the Yankees’ struggling lineup.
Can the Yankees pull off a trade and bring Story to the fold?