Yankees: Imagining five off the wall blockbuster trades

Freddie Freeman and an infielder (Braves)

The one position in which the Yankees don’t have stud is first base. Yes, Luke Voit should be the Opening Day first baseman — and he’s done great thus far in his brief Yankee career.

But that consists of a total of 39 games. Therefore, how much do we trust last season’s success to be an indicator of Voit’s future? Freddie Freeman would put the Yankees over the top if they didn’t have to give up Giancarlo Stanton for him.

The most significant complication in moving Stanton is his cumbersome no-trade clause. But for the sake of this article, let’s hypothesize that he were to waive it.

That’s what it comes down to. Although Freeman won’t hit 50+ home runs, he’s hit above .300 the past three seasons, compared to Stanton’s .265 average over the last three.

But to sweeten the deal, I suggest the Yanks throw in out-of-place Greg Bird, while the Braves toss in one of their middle infielders; Dansby Swanson, Johan Camargo or Charlie Culberson.

The additions would incur further interest from the Braves, as they’d have a potential breakout star in Greg Bird to take Freeman’s spot, while riding them of one of their many infielders, especially after signing third baseman, Josh Donaldson.

Yes, the Braves would be giving up, arguably, their best hitter, but in return, they’re getting a guy who’s the same age as Freeman but hits way more home runs. For a team that was 19th in home runs last season, that’s a significant upgrade.

Putting Stanton in right field for Atlanta would also be a major enhancement from Adam Duvall. As for that middle infielder, whoever it may be, they would fill in for Gregorius in his absence. I say, Dansby Swanson because was the least productive hitter of the three options in ’18, making him the least valuable in trade.

But Swanson is still a young player — and could be a fine fill-in until Sir Didi makes his return.

The Yankees would still be a World Series caliber team with Freeman instead of Stanton. But this move has a trick up its sleeve. With Stanton gone, the Yankees free up quite a bit of payroll, especially in the long-term department.

Yes, Freeman will cost over $21 million per year for the next three years, but with the previous luxury tax cushion, plus the few millions you save from Stanton, signing Harper is a realistic possibility.

A bold move, I think this is the type of transaction almost guarantees a trip to the World Series if executed as planned (with signing Bryce Harper).