Yankees trade rumors: Could Luke Voit and Gio Urshela be on the way out?

New York Yankees, Luke Voit
Sep 25, 2019; St. Petersburg, FL, USA;New York Yankees first baseman Luke Voit (45) works out prior to to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With the rumor mill starting to fire up as we head closer toward the hot stove months, the New York Yankees will once again be a focal point among negotiations and discussions. The Bombers are always involved with some of the biggest names in baseball, but this time they could elect to be sellers and make some significant changes.

While manager Aaron Boone and GM Brian Cashman were non-committal toward big off-season moves, the Yankees need to make some changes to bolster their team. Ranging from the starting pitching rotation to their defensive efficiency in the infield, there are a few ways the Yankees can improve their chances of success in 2021.

Now, I would never recommend trading away your best players, but the Yankees have an opportunity to sell high on two of their more efficient ones in 2020.

Personally, I think Gio Urshela is un-tradable at this point, given his rise to stardom and defensive qualities on the hot corner. However, I don’t necessarily hate the idea of selling high on Luke Voit and moving DJ LeMahieu over to first base. That would allow Gleyber Torres to play his more comfortable position at second and open up the idea of signing another shortstop for the time being.

The Yankees need to think long-term dominance, as they continue to fail with their current model:

While it hurts to write the word “trade” and “Voit” in the same sentence, sometimes you have to do what’s best for the team’s long-term appropriation. His breakout season this year re-affirms that he is a solid MLB player and that the St. Louis Cardinals should’ve never parted ways with him.

However, the Yankees have their future at first base with LeMahieu if they want to go that route, and they can’t continue to commit to Torres at shortstop given his inability to make routine throws.

Given the Bombers’ lack of elite pitching prospects, aside from Deivi Garcia, trading Voit for a few notable names could be of value. Buying low and selling high is ultimately how you build a strong team for the future, and Brian Cashman did a fantastic job targeting specific players to fit his mold. Voit is exactly what they want in a slugging first baseman, but their infield issues might force their hand.

One former Yankee, Mark Teixeira, thinks that treating him is a good idea.

“As good as Luke Voit is, and as popular as he is, his value has never been higher,” said Teixeira.

Urshela is another player that was traded for cash considerations (25K) from the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. The Yankees could easily sell him for a sizeable return, and doing so while his value is still high makes sense. Again, I personally don’t think they should give Urshela away, considering the value he’s brought to the team and cementing third base, but nothing is impossible.