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Yankees: Interest in Starling Marte proves faith in Aaron Judge is problematic

ByThomas Carannante|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees strikes out against the New York Mets in the fifth inning during their game at Citi Field on July 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 03: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees strikes out against the New York Mets in the fifth inning during their game at Citi Field on July 03, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Yankees are showing trade interest in Starling Marte and here’s why it feels odd.

Did we really think New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would be kicking the tires on high-profile outfielders before the trade deadline? Regardless, that’s now the reality, with the Yanks reportedly expressing interest in Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Starling Marte.

With Aaron Hicks the latest to go down with an injury (multiple calf cramps), the Bombers do face an issue with their outfield, but is there no faith in Clint Frazier, Mike Tauchman and Brett Gardner to carry the load? Perhaps, given Tauchman and Gardner continue to struggle mightily at the plate.

But the bigger concern? The Yankees’ confidence in Aaron Judge returning from injury and being able to get in a rhythm for the playoffs. The fact of the matter is the Yankees were reportedly in these discussions before Hicks got hurt.

The Yankees, first and foremost, need pitching at the deadline, but Judge’s inability to remain healthy for the third straight season — and with this current stint on the injured list expected to be at least 20 days — makes it clear the organization is taking the necessary steps to make a run this year in case he’s unable to play consistently or get back in a dominant rhythm.

Marte is an All-Star-caliber outfielder and has a $12 million team option for 2021, which the Yankees will likely exercise because of the friendly price, the fact Gardner could be a free agent after 2020, and the possibility Frazier could be traded before 2021. If they choose not to, it’ll cost just $1 million to kill the option.

It’s a shrewd move for the future, but the Judge layer of concern here is something to consider given his prompt return to the IL after he declared he was “100%” and should’ve never hit the shelf to begin with.

The Yankees’ depth has taken a hit, but to chase an All-Star outfielder such as Marte at the deadline proves the front office has reservations beyond that. If the last three years tell us anything, they cannot rely on Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to remain healthy, and Cashman and Co. don’t want another year to go to waste because of it.

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