Yankees Trade Rumors: Tanner Scott, Luis Rengifo and Carlos Estevez could be listed as potential targets ahead of trade deadline
The New York Yankees will likely be buyers ahead of the 2024 MLB trade deadline, as they are almost certain to reach the playoffs after a strong start to the season. At the same time, fans are clamoring for General Manager Brian Cashman to make some additions to the team, which is going through a difficult stretch right now.
In the latest edition of his column for ESPN, MLB Insider Jeff Passan identified infielder Luis Rengifo as one of the players that the Yankees could target ahead of the trade deadline on July 30. Passan believes that Cashman will also look to bring at least one high-leverage relief pitcher, with Tanner Scott and Carlos Estevez being the top candidates on that list.
The Yankees have been in a major slump lately, and losing their home series to the Boston Red Sox on Sunday means they have had a woeful 5-15 record since June 15. Subpar offensive production from the infield ranks has been a recurring issue for the team this year. Meanwhile, the bullpen has imploded during this poor run, even though it was excellent in the early months of the season:
"At the very least, the Yankees should get a bat-first infielder – the Los Angeles Angels' Luis Rengifo fits, though the hand injury that sent him to the injured list is alarming and untimely – and a late-inning reliever, a la Miami's Tanner Scott or Angels closer Carlos Estevez, who has issued one unintentional walk in 27 innings this season," Passan wrote.
Anthony Volpe is the only position player besides Aaron Judge and Juan Soto with a batting average above .250 and to have compiled over 1.0 bWAR this year. On the other hand, the bullpen presently has a 3.66 ERA, which puts it outside the top half of all MLB teams. It also ranks outside the top 10 in walks and home runs allowed.
Yankees have to consider starting pitcher market as well, says Jeff Passan
According to Jeff Passan, Cashman should also be looking to bolster the starting rotation, which has been another cause for the recent spate of bad results. The Yankees starters have the worst ERA of all 30 teams in the MLB over the past month.
"Before he kept Boston at bay Sunday night, Luis Gil had been a mess since his brilliant first two months. Marcus Stroman's annual midseason swoon is happening. Carlos Rodon has allowed seven home runs in his past 26 innings," Passan said.
"Gerrit Cole's stuff is down a tick (though his increased cutter usage has paid dividends and is worth watching). Clarke Schmidt still hasn't thrown off the mound since being shut down with a strained lat," he added.
The Yankees (55-37) are looking to win their first World Series title since 2009. However, Passan feels that the team needs an influx of talent before the trade deadline to do so, especially considering the situation it is currently in.