Yankees: Twins’ rough season might’ve gifted NYY great trade target

The New York Yankees have not only found it difficult to get some consistency in their star-studded lineup this season, but they have almost no power from the left-hand side, which is a cardinal sin considering right field’s short porch.

Might they fix their issues by buying low on Max Kepler?

The German outfielder might not be having his best season this year, as he is right at the Mendoza line with just five home runs, but the entirety of the Minnesota Twins franchise except for Byron Buxton has been stuck in a funk for the entire regular season.

Despite the fact that Kepler is under contract until at least the 2023 season, there might need to be some huge changes in Minnesota after such a slow start to the season, and Kepler could easily be on the move if it means that they will get a haul of prospects in return.

The Yankees need to add an outfielder with competency in the field and the power stroke to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s dimensions, and Kepler checks both of those boxes.

Should the Twins keep losing, Brian Cashman might need to get on the horn and work on bringing him to the Bronx.

Max Kepler could have value for the Yankees as a trade target.

Kepler showed off his power plenty before 2019, but that was when he finally put it all together. He tallied 32 doubles and 36 home runs while driving in 90 runs, setting a new career-best mark for batting average, and getting some minor MVP consideration. His OPS+ was above average during the shortened 2020 season.

On defense, Kepler might not be Willie Mays, but he has amassed 2.2 dWAR over the course of his career, so the Yankees don’t need to worry about that. Losing Mike Tauchman might have stung, so why not trade for an upgraded version?

The Yankees could probably be able to snag Kepler for one major-league level player and one somewhat highly-rated prospect. Doing so would give the Yankees a potent bat with home run power and more defensive upside than another right-hander in Miguel Andújar playing out of position.

He won’t fix all of Cashman’s issues with regard to how this roster is constructed, but he will give them some pop from the left-hand side.

The Yankees need to do something in order to prevent some of their rivals from usurping them and kicking them out of the postseason. Kepler is by no means an earth-shattering move, but he helps fill a position of need, and that warrants the trade.

Yankees: 3 struggling pitchers NYY could bet on at trade deadline

The New York Yankees could do with more production value in the pitching rotation, and why not bet on someone new? It’s your turn, Cashman. Roll the dice.