4 underrated targets (and mock trades) to bolster Yankees' lineup before trade deadline

Zach McKinstry

Although the Detroit Tigers are only 4.5 games back of first place in the AL Central, they’re nine games under .500 and still in the midst of a rebuild. If Detroit decides to sell at the trade deadline, Zach McKinstry would be one of the more attractive players potentially on the move.

McKinstry has played every defensive position besides first base and catcher this season, and he’s played at a high level across the diamond and outfield. Despite a sluggish start to his career at the plate, McKinstry is a just-below-league-average hitter this year (98 wRC+).

Propelled by career bests in Barrel% (66th percentile) and plate discipline (59th percentile K%, 77th percentile BB% and 77th percentile Whiff%), McKinstry is turning himself into a formidable offensive player, especially with his speed. 

McKinstry’s 10 stolen bases and 2.1 BsR would both be second on the Yankees behind Anthony Volpe, while his 28.5 feet/second sprint speed would be tied with Volpe for second behind Harrison Bader.

This season, the Yankees have tried using Isiah Kiner-Falefa in a super-utility role, but he’s provided nothing more than being a replacement-level player. By acquiring McKinstry, the Yankees would have a true super-utility asset, and he’s under club control through the 2027 season.

Mock trade:

Yankees acquire: Zach McKinstry

Tigers acquire: Oswaldo Cabrera and Will Warren (Yankees No. 7 prospect)

Mark Canha

With the New York Mets’ season quickly unraveling, it wouldn’t be a shocker if they go for a shakeup at the trade deadline to re-tool their roster. If they do anything but stand pat at the trade deadline, it would make sense for the Mets to trade Mark Canha.

Set to be a free agent following the season, Canha is blocked in the Mets outfield by Tommy Pham, Brandon Nimmo and Starling Marte, and it will be more difficult for him to get everyday at-bats now that Pete Alonso and Daniel Vogelbach are back in the lineup.

Although he struggled in the first month of the season offensively, Canha has turned it around, hitting .241/.336/.385 (105 wRC+) for the season. Additionally, from 2021-2022, Canha’s 122 wRC+ was the 15th-best among 43 qualified outfielders.

With his ability to play all three outfield positions and first base, Canha would be a great fit for the Yankees. This season, the Yankees have turned to numerous true infielders/designated hitters to play the outfield. Canha would add much-needed stability and production to the Yankees’ chaotic outfield group.

Mock trade:

Yankees acquire: Mark Canha

Mets acquire: Elijah Dunham (Yankees No. 16 prospect)

Seth Brown

Seth Brown’s 2023 hasn’t gotten off to the start he hoped for, but he should still have many teams calling the Oakland A’s to inquire about him. After straining his oblique at the start of the season, Brown has only appeared in 38 games and is hitting a bleak .186/.250/.341 (67 wRC+).

However, from 2021-2022, Brown hit .224/.294/.457 (112 wRC+), and he’d give the Yankees a quality bat toward the bottom of the order. Despite a 27.3 K%, Brown walked at an 8.6% clip while barreling 13.3% of the balls he put into play.

Beyond the batter’s box, Brown has proven he can be a valuable asset in the field and on the bases. In 2021, when he was used primarily as a right fielder, Brown’s OAA was in the 90th percentile. Brown’s defensive production slipped in 2022, in part because he played 121.2 innings in center field, but he played well in the outfield corners and ... just okay when he shifted to first base.

Although he hasn’t showcased it this year (probably because of his oblique injury), Brown is a solid base runner. Last season, Brown set career highs with 11 stolen bases and a 2.4 BsR. 

With the A’s crowded in the outfield and at first base, it would make sense for them to look into trading Brown. Being under team control through 2026 and having shown that he’s capable of positively impacting the game at the plate, in the field and on the bases, Brown will likely be coveted by numerous teams come the end of July.

Mock trade:

Yankees receive: Seth Brown

A’s receive: Brendan Beck (Yankees No. 23 prospect), Deivi Garcia