Yankees: 3 Red Sox players NYY should try to trade for

2. Brandon Workman

Brandon Workman could switch sides in the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry.

Objectively speaking, the Yankees are one bullpen arm short of where they intended to be, even after Aroldis Chapman’s return.

Though it’s morally ambiguous to force a player to change sides of the country during a pandemic, maybe the Yanks could persuade the Red Sox to just leave Brandon Workman behind?

The 2021 free agent will not be re-signed in Boston (making their already-bad ‘pen…worse?), and though he makes things a bit sweaty at times, his big breaker could slide right in in place of Tommy Kahnle’s devastating change.

Though solid en route to the 2018 World Series, and a stalwart in Boston since 2013, Workman somehow got filthy nasty in 2019, and found himself installed as the floundering team’s closer, racking up 16 saves after Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier flamed out. Never that formidable before, he posted Betances numbers, allowing 29 hits in 71.2 innings, whiffing 104, and posting a 1.88 ERA.

Of course, the issue here is that is seems like the Phillies are about to jump the Yanks on this one; they’re deep into Workman talks, and it could get done shortly. Perhaps New York would like to talk to the Phils about another deal? It’d be easier than trading with Boston, after all.

The Red Sox bullpen was reprehensible last year without Craig Kimbrel, but Workman really worked. This is a high-upside play that might cost a top-20 prospect, but likely no more. We’d consider.

**Workman was traded to the Phillies on Friday night, so this is no longer an option**