4 players the Yankees should sell and 3 they should keep at trade deadline

Over the last few years, the New York Yankees have gone into the trade deadline as surefire buyers. This year, though, with the Bombers at 55-51 -- 10.5 games back of the AL East lead and 3.5 games back of the third Wild Card spot -- it’s unclear what direction Brian Cashman and the front office will go.

While a 3.5-game deficit in the Wild Card race is reasonable to make up, this year’s trade deadline is a seller’s market. Because the postseason is well within reach, the Yankees want to be competitive in 2024, and the trade market is favoring those looking to offload talent, the opportunity to retool rather than straight up sell or buy is in the Yankees’ best interest.

At the very least, they can part with players they don't plan on keeping beyond 2023 and get something of value or shed payroll. Why wouldn't they do that? On the other hand, they could have a shot at salvaging 2023 with a couple of roster adjustments. Maybe some new faces can reinvigorate th

Here are four players that should be traded and three players who should be held onto to give the Yankees a chance to compete in 2023 and beyond.

Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo has been the worst position player in MLB since the start of June. In 44 games across the last two months, Rizzo has a 44 wRC+ and -0.8 fWAR – the worst among all qualified hitters. Despite his struggles, Rizzo should draw plenty of interest if he’s available because of his track record, and almost all contenders would be interested in adding a quality left-handed bat.

While Rizzo has been good during his time in pinstripes, trading him would be addition by subtraction. The biggest reason for this is Jake Bauers’ emergence. Bauers’ 116 wRC+ is the second-best on the Yankees (min 150 PAs), but the Yankees have stuck him in the outfield, where he’s putrid. By getting Bauers back to his natural position, the Yankees will improve defensively in the outfield (currently 19/30 in outfield OAA) and receive better production at the plate than what Rizzo is giving them.

Verdict: Trade

Potential fits: Minnesota Twins, Chicago Cubs, Miami Marlins