"I expect them to be quite aggressive" - MLB insider believes Yankees will be active on the trade market amid hot start to season
The New York Yankees have come out looking like a juggernaut this season. Even without their ace, Gerrit Cole, they hold the best record across baseball at 48-21 and do not look to be slowing down anytime soon.
Cole is in the middle of a rehab assignment and could return to the mound in their series against the Baltimore Orioles at the end of June. However, considering how the rotation has looked without him, there is no sense in rushing him back.
Even after starting the season hot and their ace nearing his debut, some believe the Bronx Bombers will still make a splash at the trade deadline. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal joined a recent episode of Foul Territory TV to let baseball fans know this club could be aggressive.
"I do not expect them to be passive going into this deadline. If anything, because of where they are, because of the chance that exists here for them to win their first World Series since 2009, I expect them to be quite aggressive," said Rosenthal.
Much is riding on this season. This is exactly how the Bronx Bombers needed to respond after missing out on the postseason for the first time since the 2016 season last year. However, they still have some holes they could deal with.
"One thing that they are going to have to resolve here and figure out what they want to do with is first base and third base," said Rosenthal.
Rosenthal could see the Yanks targeting first and third basemen at the trade deadline. Anthony Rizzo has struggled this season offensively, and Oswaldo Cabrera is not a primary third baseman.
Who could the Yankees target at the trade deadline?
If the Yankees want to move on from Anthony Rizzo, there are some exciting first basemen out there the team could target. Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Christian Walker is operating on a one-year deal and has been swinging the bat well.
Another option at first base could be Chicago White Sox slugger Gavin Sheets. Chicago will certainly be sellers at the trade deadline, and Sheets has been one of the few bright spots on the Southside.
Sheets could be a long-term option for the club if they are willing. He is 28 and could be a dependable bat for the Bronx Bombers as they look to keep the pressure on.