New York Yankees Have Shown Interest in Nationals' Slugger

The New York Yankees have shown interest in this Washington Nationals' slugger.

Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are reportedly leaning towards buying at the trade deadline.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees have shown interest in Washington Nationals third baseman Jeimer Candelario.

"Adding a starter and another reliever, though, remains the Marlins’ priority, and other clubs might value Candelario more. The Yankees and Angels are among those reportedly with interest."

The Yankees are in need of a third baseman after Josh Donaldson landed on the 60-day injured list with a right calf strain and is likely done for the season.

Candelario is having a strong season for the Nationals, in which he is slashing .253/.333/.479 with a .812 OPS, 16 home runs and 52 RBIs. He also has a 2.9 bWAR and 125 OPS+.

In addition to Candelario, the Yankees could possibly acquire outfielder Lane Thomas in a package, which would fulfill two much-needed holes on their roster.

If the Yankees were to acquire both players, Candelario would slide into third base and Thomas would be their everyday left fielder.

Thomas is also having a more than solid season, slashing .290/.338/.482 with a .819 OPS, 16 home runs and 54 RBIs. Thomas' bWAR is 3.3 and his OPS+ is 127.

The Yankees are likely buyers ahead of the deadline and making a deal with the Nationals could strengthen their team on both sides of the diamond.