Yankees: 3 rumored trade deadline targets fans can already rule out

1. Byron Buxton

It’s unclear what the Twins will do at the deadline, but they’re arguably the most disappointing team in the league. They’ll be selling in some capacity after this flop, especially if it worsens.

However, though Byron Buxton’s name has been floating around, it’s hard to believe he’ll be among the castoffs … and it’d be relatively shocking if that’s the guy the Yankees decide to push all of their chips in the middle of the table for.

Talent-wise, Buxton has it all. He’s a five-tool player. The Yankees would kill to have that kind of a threat patrolling center field. Except … Buxton is never healthy. Trading for another injury-prone player simply cannot be on the Yankees’ radar. It’s bad business.

Buxton, 27, made his MLB debut in 2015. He’s played in 456 games since then. He’s only eclipsed 100 games in a full campaign once. He couldn’t even stay healthy during the COVID-shortened season in 2020. He missed 21 games. And right now he’s on the shelf with a hip strain.

Despite his lights-out start through his first 24 games in 2021, his career slash line isn’t all that impressive (.247/.297/.451). Acquiring Buxton would purely be a result of the Yankees being enamored by his flashes and not his overall body of work. Cashman already acquired an oft-injured centerfielder from the Twins in Aaron Hicks and that’s backfired just about as badly as you can imagine.

The Yankees need a more reliable outfield option considering the myriad of issues right now. They need everyday production. Not potential. Not a projection. Just steady play. Buxton can’t offer that, regardless of how alluring he is.

Yankees: 3 players who could transform NYY lineup more than Joey Gallo

The New York Yankees will be acquiring a lefty bat this summer. We've all grown accustomed to Joey Gallo, but let's aim differently?