Yankees: 5 possible trade candidates with hot stove nearing

Trades are on the horizon for the New York Yankees. You know it. Everyone knows it. We just don’t know who’s going to be moved.

The latest rumors suggest the Bombers are interested in swinging a deal for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, which means we’re likely to see at least two players on the 40-man roster depart. Again, don’t know who, but it’ll probably be two of those guys plus prospects.

But we’re here to talk about guys on the MLB roster who may depart and change the complexion of the 2022 team in a significant way. We’re obviously not sure if any of these players will be traded, but we have a hunch there’s a possibility, and we ranked them from least likely to most likely.

General manager Brian Cashman has already hinted at changes. The Yankees are reportedly talking to the agents of Anthony Rizzo, Corey Seager and Carlos Correa. Justin Verlander’s name has popped up in rumors. Expect a new and improved squad in 2022.

And it may or may not be at the expense of these five players.

Five likeliest Yankees trade candidates on the active roster.

5. Gleyber Torres

Now that he’s back at second base he’s way less likely to be traded … but never say never. Torres’ last two years in the Bronx have been beyond uninspiring and mostly characterized by drama and disappointment.

Throw in the fact the Yankees clearly mishandled him by moving him to shortstop and keeping him there for about 75 games longer than they should have, and you truly cannot say this is the best relationship between team and player.

Torres is under team control through 2024, but he won’t be cheap. He’s projected to make $6 million in his first year of arbitration eligibility after earning Super Two status last year. That’ll be closer to $10 million next year and then $13 million the follow year, depending on his performance of course.

With DJ LeMahieu on this roster for the next five years as well as a number of promising middle infield prospects, we just wouldn’t be surprised if Torres was moved this offseason if the Yankees saw an opportunity to upgrade elsewhere, especially if they feel they can replace his production or believe it’s more important to keep LeMahieu at home at second base.