Checking in on all of the Yankees' top trade assets before the 2026 deadline

The Yankees are in the thick of an AL East race with Aaron Judge recovering from a rib stress fracture, Giancarlo Stanton's never-ending calf issue, and Carlos Rodón's forearm flare-up. They need to make trades before Aug, 3 — and they have the ammunition to do it, even with their two most prized assets likely off the table.

Cashman's always operates with caution, rarely surrendering his top prospects, but he does move quantity over quality. He prefers the larger packages for mid-tier prospects rather than the more impactful top-five talents getting moved for bonafide star players. So where do the assets currently stand?

Yankees' trade chips before 2026 trade deadline and everything you need to know

George Lombard Jr., SS — MLB No. 20 | Triple-A Scranton
Current stock: Untouchable — and closer to the Bronx than ever

Lombard is back. After missing nearly a month with a two-finger sprain on his glove hand, he returned to Triple-A and immediately homered — and he continues to rake at Triple-A. He's been one of the best prospects in the upper minors when healthy, showing off his five tools. Cashman was direct: "He might be a choice at some point," adding that Lombard is "plug-and-play, ready to go" defensively. He doesn't move in a trade, especially with Anthony Volpe's status, and he might be in the Bronx before the season ends.

Carlos LaGrange, RHP — MLB No. 76 | Triple-A Scranton
Current stock: Likely untouchable — currently injured

LaGrange is the second name on every rival executive's wish list and the second name the Yankees won't discuss. Since he moved to the Triple-A bullpen in early June, he's been dominant with his fastball: touching 103 mph and an carrying an ERA under 3.00. With his performance and raw ability, Aaron Boone has pointed toward a promotion before the deadline, but a shoulder injury has him on the shelf. It's unlikely the Yankees move him after his value took a bit of a hit, and it's possible he gets a promotion when he's fully healthy.

Elmer Rodríguez, RHP — MLB No. 63 | MLB/Triple-A Scranton
Current stock: The most valuable realistic trade chip

There have been reports that have named Rodríguez the Yankees' most moveable and most valuable prospect heading into the deadline. He's already made big-league starts this season, he's pre-arb and controllable, and the organizational depth behind him — Ben Hess, Bryce Cunningham, Chase Hampton — means the system can easily absorb the loss. Multiple Skubal packages have included his name alongside Spencer Jones. If the Yankees are making a splash, Rodríguez is likely the pitching centerpiece they part with.

Spencer Jones, OF — Yankees No. 7 | MLB/Triple-A Scranton
Current stock: Actively shopped, likely moved

Jones has gotten big-league looks this season while posting double-digit homers and 50 RBI in Triple-A. The 6'7'' frame and the Judge-ceiling comp are still the selling point, but a strikeout rate north of 40% that followed him through the system hasn't disappeared at the big-league level. Multiple reporters have confirmed Jones is one of the key pieces the Yankees plan to use as trade currency before Aug. 3. A rebuilding team takes the upside — a contender playing for now won't.

Who will the Yanks actually move?

Jones and Rodríguez are the realistic centerpieces, with names like Dax Kilby (MLB's No. 58 prospect) and Jasson Domínguez available — both of whom have also been mentioned in trade discussions alongside Jones. Lombard and LaGrange likely don't move. The Yankees' deadline priorities are confirmed: a catcher and a high-leverage bullpen arm, with Mason Miller of the Padres the most connected name in trade talks. A package built around Jones and Rodríguez is the framework most executives expect if New York makes a splash. No matter what, the clock is ticking. Cashman has the chips and we are about to find out how he plays them.

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