Yankees: Trade candidates that could be had before July 1

2. Pavin Smith

Can the Yankees trust Luke Voit to remain healthy for the rest of 2021? He’s been plagued by a sports hernia, “foot stuff,” a bum knee and now an oblique strain, all of which have limited him to 186 games (out of a possible 282) since 2019. Even if they can, they still need a backup first baseman!

Gittens has had a rough go in his first few games (though he has time to alter that first impression) while Mike Ford has been underwhelming. We’re also done with DJ LeMahieu shuffling around the infield every night. Don’t you think that’s played a role in his struggles at the plate? It’s quite possible.

Why not call the Diamondbacks about Pavin Smith, who can play first, third and center field if need be? That’s astute flexibility with regard to insurance for Voit and options for the outfield. The lefty slugger and former first-round pick is hitting .288 with a .780 OPS with 34 runs scored, 5 home runs and 21 RBI in 58 games. That production should increase if he’s surrounded by “better” hitters.

However, it’s unclear if the D-Backs would be willing to deal Smith, who’s just 25 years old and has 70 games under his belt. Quite honestly, Arizona is a mess, so it’s not unreasonable to think most players would be on the table. And it’s not like Smith is an otherworldly talent Arizona cannot possible part with. It’s worth asking. He shouldn’t cost a prohibitive amount and he’s controllable for quite some time.

The Diamondbacks are already listening to offers on David Peralta, which means they’re open for business. See what else they’re willing to do, Cash.