Trade Rumors: Yankees Eyeing Willingham?

The Yankees may be one of the more active teams before Thursday’s 4pm trading deadline. We all have heard about the interest they’ve had in adding arms. They’ve already added Chase Headley as a bat, but it looks like they won’t stop there.

According to CBS Sports Jon Heyman, the Yankees may be looking to add Twins outfielder Josh Willingham to add some pop to the outfield. The Yankees may also be looking at Phillies outfielder Marlon Byrd and Alex Rios of the Texas Rangers.

According to Heyman, the Yanks may prefer Willingham over Rios and Byrd because of his contract. Willingham is a free agent after this season. Byrd has $8 million coming to him next year, while Rios has a $14 million team option for next year with a $2 million buyout.

Willingham, 35, has missed some time this year due to a fractured wrist. This month, he is hitting .159 with three homers and six RBI. Remember, he is playing at Target Field which is a big park, plus in depleted Twins lineup without Joe Mauer and the recently departed Kendrys Morales.

Willingham would fit the MO that Brian Cashman has been doing in improving the club. Adding veteran pieces who are free agents after the season so you don’t have to give up the jewels of the system like Aaron Judge and Ian Clarkin.

Ichiro Suzuki has struggled, and Carlos Beltran can’t play the field yet, so an outfield bat would make some sense.