Ranking Yankees’ rumored trade targets ahead of Aug. 2 deadline

3. Ian Happ

Wanna throw in Ian Happ too, Cubbies? The first-time 2022 All-Star has rebounded after a slow start himself, and is now hitting .274 with an .808 OPS, 126 OPS+, 41 runs scored, 9 homers and 42 RBI. His power has slightly declined from 2021, but he’s making a lot more contact and getting on base more frequently.

Some continue to reference the short porch in Yankee Stadium benefitting him, but Happ hits to all fields, and has just three homers and three doubles to right field in 2022. Still, he’d be a great asset to have toward the bottom of the Yankees’ lineup, especially since he ranks in the 82nd percentile for walk percentage this year.

Most of his other advanced metrics are right in line with his production, and those his defensive ones (Outs Above Average and Outfielder Jump) are below average, he’s managed a positive dWAR and Defensive Runs Saved figure (5). He’s clearly been more comfortable out there after being played all over the field for much of his first five years in the league.

Happ is controllable through the 2023 season, so his price tag might be a bit higher than the Yankees might be comfortable spending, but that’s a good problem to have. In the upsetting event Aaron Judge leaves in free agency, the Yankees will have the necessary outfield insurance with Giancarlo Stanton able to absorb the bulk of the reps in right.

But the focus here is for 2022, and the fit couldn’t be better. Lefty bat, solid defense, and friends with Anthony Rizzo.