Yankees: 3 trade packages that could land Matt Olson from Athletics

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Matt Olson #28 of the Oakland Athletics gets high fives from his teammates in the dugout after hitting a one run home run during the first inning against starting pitcher Jose Suarez #54 of the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Matt Olson #28 of the Oakland Athletics gets high fives from his teammates in the dugout after hitting a one run home run during the first inning against starting pitcher Jose Suarez #54 of the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 18, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Gleyber Torres #25 of the New York Yankees (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

1. Gleyber Torres, Oswaldo Cabrera, Luis Gil and Luis Medina for Matt Olson and Tony Kemp

Why not go for it all here? It could be fun, and the Yankees have enough talent in the farm system to absorb such a blow.

This might sound insane, but trading Gleyber Torres has to be at least a consideration at this point, and a team like the A’s would LOVE the upside and team control there. Also, like Gallo, Torres might benefit from a setting that’s less critical and overbearing.

Then we have the rest. This package needs to be a bit overspend-y because of Olson’s escalating value and Tony Kemp’s versatility and cheap cost in arbitration. He made just $1.05 million last year, which is sure to get a healthy bump, but it’ll still be a bargain for someone who can play second base and all three outfield spots if need be. Plus … he’s a lefty bat and has speed! The Yankees need that! Badly!

In this scenario, the Yanks don’t have to fork over Volpe or Peraza, but will have to part with two promising pitching prospects and an MLB-ready middle infielder in Oswaldo Cabrera, who’s somehow been overshadowed this past year. He hit .272 with an .863 OPS, 29 homers, 89 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 118 games between Double- and Triple-A. As for Gil and Medina, the two right-handers offer high upside on the mound.

Gil registered a 3.06 ERA in his first six MLB starts while Medina had a 3.39 ERA with 133 strikeouts in 22 games (21 starts) between High-A and Double-A. One MLB-ready arm, one somewhat developmental project.

Moving on from Torres also gives the Yankees chance to use both Volpe and Peraza when they’re ready for their promotions or trade one of them and sign a high-profile shortstop that can eventually switch positions (Seager?). Just spitballin’ here. But bringing in Olson and Kemp would be a win for the ages and re-open this window assuming the Yankees can still spend on a shortstop, No. 2 pitcher and center fielder.

It sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? That’s because this team isn’t very good outside of a healthy DJ LeMahieu, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge.