Yankees outfield trade target falls through, but keep an eye on him for later

Mar 7, 2021; Surprise, Arizona, USA; Texas Ranger outfielder Delino DeShields kisses his bat before in preparation for his at bat in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodger at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees pulled off an exciting victory on Tuesday evening against the Tampa Bay Rays, thanks to a Clint Frazier diving catch at the top of the 10th inning and a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th.

Despite the triumph, the Yankees have struggled considerably as of late, losing the previous four games prior to Tuesday night, scoring a total of six runs. They scored five in the win, despite earning only six hits. They totaled 11 strikeouts, with Aaron Judge walking three times — the team totaled seven. Hopefully, Frazier’s walk-off homer fueled an offensive improvement, injecting some positivity and momentum into a unit that has severely underwhelmed this year.

The outfield is currently dealing with a number of issues: Ryan LaMarre hurt his hamstring a few weeks ago, Giancarlo Stanton is battling through a groin injury, and Aaron Hicks has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2021 season with a wrist injury.

In the meantime, Brian Cashman was considering a move to add more veteran support in the outfield, which is where Delino DeShields of the Texas Rangers entered the fold. However, with Clint taking a step forward, it seems as if Cashman has quieted on that front for the time being.

SNYâ€™s Andy Martino reported that the Yankees are no longer interested in the Rangers’ veteran utility man, but I wouldn’t take our eyes off him just yet.

â€œDelino DeShields Jr., an outfielder whom the Yankees discussed in trade talks last month, is no longer an active target for the team. DeShields, 28, has a June 1 opt out with the Texas Rangers, with whom he is currently in Triple-A, and has not exercised it.â€

DeShields is currently with Texas’ Triple-A team but has six years of MLB experience, playing the majority with the Rangers and last season with the Cleveland Indians.

Last year, he hosted a .252 average over 37 games, failing to hit a homerun but logging seven RBIs. Heâ€™s never been a slugger but offers value as a contact hitter and solid defender. He would likely be a cheap addition, having signed a minor-league contract with Texas this past off-season. He has an opt-out this month, so if he elects to exercise it, the Yankees could pick him up for cheap.