Yankees talking trade with Rangers but it’s not what you’re expecting

Here we go. The trade rumors are already making headlines. And what a coincidence? We’re talking about a potential trade partner in the Texas Rangers many have speculated the New York Yankees would engage with at some point.

How about some salivating targets? Joey Gallo? Kyle Gibson? Ian Kennedy?! This team has plenty of options for general manager Brian Cashman to sift through in an effort to upgrade the roster.

Uhh … wait. Not those guys? Not even one of them? The Yankees are reportedly looking in the Rangers’ farm system at the moment? At a player who’s largely had an unsuccessful MLB career and is being stashed at Triple-A?

Welp. That was the last scenario we were expecting, now wasn’t it?

It’s no secret the Yankees need outfielders. Aaron Hicks could miss the year, though we’re not entirely sure yet. Clint Frazier is struggling beyond belief. Brett Gardner just isn’t quite the same. Ryan LaMarre is injured. Tyler Wade is an infielder. Mike Tauchman is in San Francisco.

And with a few of the Yankees’ minor leaguers banged up, it appears they’re interested in patching up their depth. They’re not going for any big fish here, according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal.

The Yankees are reportedly interested in Rangers OF Delino Deshields Jr.

OK, we’ll save the big acquisitions for closer to the end of July? Good plan. We’ll take it.

Deshields was among the pieces that went to the Cleveland Indians in the Corey Kluber trade prior to the 2020 season. He appeared in 37 games for the Tribe and batted .252 with a .628 OPS. He was non-tendered this past offseason and the Rangers scooped him back up.

What would this do for the Yankees? It’d give them another reliable defensive option in the outfield and more speed on the base paths. And it likely won’t cost much. On the bright side, Deshields could benefit from the lineup around him and see an increase in offensive production.

Deshields would likely temporarily fill in the gaps for the Yankees in the short term and then provide depth at Triple-A as players (hopefully) return to form and get back to full strength.

While many fans have been clamoring for the promotion of Estevan Florial, he just got the bump to Scranton and still needs some refinement. His quick ascension in Double-A was encouraging, but he’ll need to the proper time to find his footing at the next level.

For now, keep an eye out for Deshields. In the coming weeks/months? It could be a more game-breaking target.

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