The New York Yankees are reportedly in the market for infield talent, prompting widespread speculation that they will be active at the trade deadline at the end of July. Although rumors suggest the Bombers might engage the Colorado Rockies about Ryan McMahon, expectations are low for a deal.
McMahon’s Peak Season Ignites Trade Speculations
Ryan McMahon is experiencing the best season of his career, performing above average for the first time. This peak would typically be an opportune moment for the Rockies to capitalize on his high value. However, indications are that they might not leverage this advantage, potentially missing out on a strategic opportunity to focus on rebuilding.
Yankees Considering Garrett Cooper Despite Decline
According to Robert Murray of Fansided, the Yankees are contemplating acquiring Garrett Cooper as a potential free agent. Cooper, 33, has previously had successful seasons with Miami but is currently underperforming.
This year, in 36 games split between Chicago and Boston, he managed a mere .206 batting average with a .267 on-base percentage and .299 slugging percentage, including one home run and 11 RBIs. Despite an acceptable performance between Miami and San Diego last season, his statistics have notably declined, likely due to aging.
Analyzing Cooper’s Underlying Metrics
What might attract the Yankees to Cooper are his expected stats, including a .265 expected batting average and a bat speed in the 73rd percentile. These underlying metrics suggest that while his performance has dipped, he still has the potential to hit the ball hard.
However, he ranks poorly in terms of chase rate, whiff rate, and strikeout rate, indicating issues with making consistent contact. Defensively, Cooper has never been more than a below-average player, but his extensive experience at first base, totaling 2,165 innings, could provide some value.
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A Strategic Decision for the Yankees
Despite the potential upside, the Yankees might be better off committing to Ben Rice for the remainder of the season, allowing him to demonstrate his capabilities. Transitioning to a player like Cooper, who is clearly on the decline, may not align with the Yankees’ need for robust talent. Instead, focusing on nurturing younger talent like Rice could prove more beneficial than taking risks on aging players experiencing a downturn in their careers.