Yankees Rumors: Mike Moustakas or Howie Kendrick to the Bronx?

With each passing game, third base for the Yankees becomes and ever increasing black hole. Because of that, rumors get thrown around about the club potentially acquiring a stop-gap until Gleyber Torres is deemed ready for the majors.

Howie Kendrick of the Phillies and Mike Moustakas of the Royals. That’s the two names recently floating to the surface that the Yankees could potentially swing a deal for as we count down to the July 31 trade deadline.

With the breaking news that 20-year-old top prospect Gleyber Torres will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the club must now make other arrangements to potentially replace Chase Headley and his .244 batting average.

Should the Yankees value versatility over a more expensive everyday option at third base, Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe believes the 33-year-old’s ability to play most infield positions plus the outfield would suit the Bombers’ needs.

"Kendrick is an emerging trade chip as an attractive right-handed bat. I asked Phillies folks whether Kendrick could be considered a third base option for a contender, and the answers were in the negative. But given his infield instincts one scout said, “He can get in front of it, knock it down, and make the throw. I’ll bet you could get by with him there and you’d take the chance because of his bat. But at this stage, he’s better off in left field.” Kendrick did play 17 games at third base last season and made just one error. Lately he’s been seen taking ground balls at third. If he could play third, the Yankees and Red Sox would have interest."

Set to become a free agent at season’s end, the 12-year veteran continues to hit for a high average — .324/.380/.459. A short-term rental like Kendrick wouldn’t cost much more than a low-level prospect and some cash — yet he could become a valuable asset down the stretch.

As for Moustakas, Jon Morosi of MLB.com states that the 28-year-old left-handed slugger could potentially trigger a bidding war between the Red Sox and Yanks — who are currently tied for first place in the AL East.

Having what can only be described as a career year, Moustakas has compiled an .864 OPS, 18 home runs and 45 RBI in 246 at-bats.

Winners of seven out of their last eight games, and sitting only 3.5 games back of first place, the Royals may be reluctant to deal their most effective offensive weapon. Yet in a walk year, the small-market Royals will be forced to think long and hard about their ability to re-sign both Moose and Eric Hosmer. As it stands right now, the Royals have over $112 million in guarantees on the books for 2018.

It’s likely Royals GM Dayton Moore would command a small ransom for Moustakas — one that would require the Yanks to part with at least one top 10 prospect and Miguel Andujar.

Yankees lone bright spot is return of Aroldis Chapman

Although the Yankees were unable to put a stop to their six-game losing streak, the club received a shot in the arm from the return of Aroldis Chapman.

A blockbuster trade such as this would only be a wise investment for the Yankees if they were indeed serious about re-signing Moustakas to a long-term contract extension.