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.

2. Ian Happ

What’re we waiting for here? The Cubs are going nowhere as fast as you possibly can, and Ian Happ doesn’t fit into their long-term picture unless owner Tom Ricketts actually wants to pay the right players (but he doesn’t).

The last few offseasons, he’s invested $216 million in Seiya Suzuki, Marcus Stroman, Jameson Taillon and Yan Gomes. Somebody help this guy.

Now, with Happ entering his final year of arbitration eligibility, there’s absolutely no reason for Chicago to hold onto him unless they’re ready to pay up. Might as well purge some more assets from the Yankees in a trade, eh? They already got Hayden Wesneski for Scott Effross. Why stop there?

Happ would be the perfect acquisition for the Yankees in left field. He showed his defensive value by finally getting situated at the position last year after bouncing around the infield and outfield since 2017. He also logged a career year at the plate, hitting .271 with 42 doubles and 72 RBI in 158 games (all bests to date). He was an All-Star and Gold Glover for the first time.

Perhaps the Yankees would be willing to work out a trade and extension, because the switch-hitting slugger is coming into his own and would be a more prudent option than the aging outfielders left in free agency.

1. Liam Hendriks

Staying in Chicago, the Yankees can (and should) contact the White Sox about closer Liam Hendriks, who was reportedly being discussed in trades less than two weeks ago. He’s under contract for $14.33 million in 2023 and has a $15 million club option for 2024. That’s a best-case scenario for the Yankees.

No long-term commitment. Likely a doable trade price, because he’s entering his age-34 season at a high cost. And the White Sox don’t really have any reason to pay a top closer when they’re clearly not in a position to contend, based on how 2022 unfolded for them (they also lost Jose Abreu in free agency, with AJ Pollock and Josh Harrison likely to follow).

The Yankees’ bullpen needs an anchor. Clay Holmes showed the potential to be that guy, but then fell off a cliff once injuries affected him and his mechanics were off just a touch. Michael King is on the mend, but elbow injuries are tricky — the Yankees would be silly to bank on a clean bill of health for him in 2023. Jonathan Loaisiga is a wild card. Wandy Peralta is not a closer. Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton are gone.

If Hendriks is the go-to ninth-inning man — a locked down role the Yankees love to have — that would make for a more stable situation and give manager Aaron Boone flexibility to bridge the gap to the Australian right-hander, rather than having him guess who might be closing on any given evening.

The financial price is right for Hendriks (he’s cheaper than Kenley Jansen’s Red Sox contract!). All the Yankees have to do now is weigh the trade cost.

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