4 blockbuster trade targets that could be Yankees next ‘big’ move

Wondering what this next “big move” is after the New York Yankees polished off their Carlos Rodón negotiations, aren’t you? Fans have heard such rumblings from multiple MLB insiders, and now the speculation is churning on social media.

In some instances, the Yankees have been directly linked to various names. In others, it’s purely a sensible connection in regard to what New York might need and who actually might be available. Then you have the deranged hypotheticals. We saw one about Mike Trout last week. Not happening.

As for attainable assets that the Yankees could afford with their prospect capital, there really aren’t many out there. But general manager Brian Cashman, for all his faults, is known to get creative and make inroads on the trade market when there aren’t any.

The Yankees need to improve a number of areas, most notably their left field situation and pitching staff. The outfielders are easier the come by while the pitchers, as expected, will take a bit more work. Here’s our best estimation of possible blockbuster targets Cashman might go after in the coming weeks/months.

The Yankees could target these blockbuster trade candidates for their next ‘big’ move

4. Shane Bieber

Bieber clocks in at No. 4 because we’d guess he’s the least likely, for a multitude of reasons. BUT … he “could be had,” per reports from earlier in the offseason. So that counts for something.

But would the Guardians consider moving their ace to one of their direct competitors? Even if the Yankees were willing to pay top dollar with their most talented prospects? Bieber has two more years left of club control and is due ~$11 million in 2023. That number figures to get closer to ~$20 million for 2024.

Cleveland’s payroll is only at about $66 million, though, so it’s unclear why they would rid themselves of Bieber’s salary when they’re not in a precarious financial position, even with Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill, Zach Plesac and Konnor Pilkington as rotation options.

Then again, the Guards could use a promising young shortstop option outside of Brayan Rocchio, with Amed Rosario hitting free agency after 2023. Oswald Peraza, plus a few others, might be able to coax them if these talks ever advanced past the “what if” stage.