Yankees, Rockies Reportedly Linked In Trade Deadline Swap Involving Slugging Outfielder

Should the Yankees consider a trade for a Rockies slugger?

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees are in the market for an upgrade. 

New York has plenty of talent and likely could compete for a World Series title, but injuries have derailed the season. The Yankees currently are without the services of 2022 American League Most Valuable Player Aaron Judge, catcher Jose Trevino, infielder Josh Donaldson, and starting pitchers Nestor Cortes and Jhony Brito. 

The Yankees are within range of a postseason spot still despite the injuries so once the club starts to get healthier, it isn't crazy to assume that New York could get hot. An addition or two ahead of the August 1 trade deadline couldn't hurt and one player that reportedly could be a trade target for the Yankees is Colorado Rockies outfielder Randal Grichuk, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

"The Yankees are closely monitoring the corner outfield market, and while Cody Bellinger seems like a natural fit, another name that has come up per sources is Randal Grichuk of the Rockies," Feinsand said. "He’s an impending free agent making a little more than $3M for the rest of the season."

Grichuk would be a clear upgrade in the outfield for New York and is having one of the finest years of his career this season. The 31-year-old is slashing .299/.361/.464 to go along with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 57 games. Grichuk's home run total is lower than expected as he's clubbed at least 19 home runs in each of the last six full seasons, not including the 2020 COVID-shortened campaign. It wouldn't be too surprising to see him get hot at some point and launch a few long balls. 

The 31-year-old's batting average and on-base percentage are significantly higher than his career average and he can play all three outfield spots. New York's biggest problem this season has been injuries. Adding someone like Grichuk would give the club more top-end depth and help raise the club's floor. The trade deadline is under two weeks away and the Yankees likely will be major players.