Yankees: 3 unexpected trade targets NYY should pursue at some point in ’21

1. Donovan Solano

The Yankees roster would greatly benefit from a guy like Donovan Solano.

Bet you didn’t know this, but San Francisco Giants infielder Donovan Solano won the Silver Slugger in 2020 for his efforts at second base! The veteran, who is also a former Yankee (back in 2016), has come into his own the past two years (135 games) in San Fran.

On top of that, he can play third base and shortstop, making him a really dangerous option off the bench for the Bombers when one of DJ LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres or Gio Urshela needs a rest. Across the last two seasons, he’s slashed .328/.362/.459, and he’s making $3.8 million in his final year of arbitration.

We can only hope the Giants are being honest with themselves, too. They will not be contending the in the NL West and they have no need for a 33-year-old veteran who will be a free agent after this season. Trading him before the deadline would be in their best interest, and they could get a solid return, especially if a contender like the Yankees comes calling.

Though he’s a right-handed bat, he’s equally as good against lefties and righties and would cost the Yankees less than $2 million if he’s acquired at the deadline, with no further financial commitment after that.

Another potential issue is that most of his career games have been played at second base, but we’re positively sure there will be days in which DJ LeMahieu is playing first or third depending on who needs rest or if any injuries pop up. It’s not the perfect fit, but it’d certainly be unexpected and useful.

Yankees: 3 players who could be dealt in salary dump trades

These New York Yankees might wind up in salary dump trades before the deadline if they remain intent on constantly cutting payroll.