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

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