Yankees: This Mike Tauchman trade could work after Eloy Jimenez injury

The New York Yankees have been wrestling with their fifth outfielder decision for most of the spring, as the age-old question of the finished product in Jay Bruce against the upside in Mike Tauchmann is making things difficult on Aaron Boone.

The Chicago White Sox, oddly enough, might be able to help the Yankees in this decision.

Tony La Russa was entrusting left fielder Eloy Jimenez to solidify the heart of the order, but a torn pectoral tendon has sidelined him for essentially the entire 2020 regular season in what is a devastating blow to their postseason chances.

If the White Sox want to stay at the top of the AL Central, they will need to pull off an incredible trade that gets them another starting outfielder with some pop and adequate defense.

It just so happens that Tauchman, shortened 2020 season notwithstanding, can help the White Sox check both of those boxes.

If the Yankees want to beef up their farm system while also making sure that they get some extra bullpen help, this deal might be enough to placate both sides.

This trade sends Mike Tauchman from the Yankees to the White Sox

Tauchman would get a chance to start in Chicago, and the amount of quality in that White Sox lineup, even without Jimenez, means that he won’t have to shoulder a ton of the offensive burden. Until Jimenez returns, Tauchman could hold down the fort.

What would the Yankees get in return?

Heuer was a very pleasant surprise for the White Sox last year, as he put up a 1.52 ERA in 21 games last season. Heuer is a power pitcher, featuring a sinker that regularly hits 98 miles per hour, a wipeout slider in the upper 80s, and a changeup that has been clocked in excess of 90 miles per hour. At just 24 years old, his best baseball is ahead of him.

Bailey is the No. 18 prospect in the White Sox system, per MLB Pipeline. Bailey might be in the minor leagues for a while, as he is just 19 years old and signed as an international free agent a few years ago. However, his size and power are jaw-dropping for someone his age, and his athletic ability means that he has all the marks of a potential five-tool outfielder.

He needs some more seasoning and work on his approach at the plate, but he’s worth taking on. Adding an additional lottery ticket could require the Yankees to tack on a comparable low-level prospect, too, something they should be more than willing to do.

Turning Tauchman into two young studs like this will be a significant turn of events for the Yankees, as they could restock without sacrificing a ton of depth.

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