Yankees Rumors: NYY linked to 5 trade deadline candidates fans never even considered

The New York Yankees got the trade deadline action started last week, but they're now behind a bit after a number of other contenders made impact moves. After trading Carlos Carrasco and acquiring Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario, the Bombers imported outfielder Austin Slater on Wednesday. Still, much work is to be done.

Brian Cashman did say he was going "all out" with transactions this year, so perhaps fans can look forward to a few more notable additions. But it's safe to say few fans expected any of these players The Athletic laid out in their updated "Trade Deadline Big Board" this week.

All of Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies, Reds pitcher Nick Martinez, Rays pitcher Zack Littell (who they faced on Wednesday night), Orioles pitcher Trevor Rogers, and Nationals pitcher Mike Soroka have the Yankees listed as a possible destination next to their names on the Big Board.

That's two division rivals, an infielder that probably not on the table (Albies), a high-priced pitcher (Martinez), and a pitcher who has recouped his value and could be had at a decent price (Soroka). Rumors as of late have linked the Yankees to Pirates reliever David Bednar and A's reliever Mason Miller, among others. There are also a few others on this list that the Yankees have been previously connected to — Charlie Morton, Eugenio Suarez, Jhoan Duran, Merrill Kelly — but the market is narrowing and the prices are coming into focus. One of those guys is already gone (Duran), another is no longer an option (Suarez), and the other two might cost more than the Yankees are comfortable with because ... that's pitching for ya.

We're unsure of the Albies fit in the Bronx with Jazz Chisholm entrenched at second base, but we guess we wouldn't turn down good players. Plus, there are always enough reps to go around with athletic middle infield options. Doubtful he's available, though.

As for Martinez, Littell and Soroka, they might be right up the Yankees' alley. The Orioles are a tough team to do business with, so we'd probably count out Rogers, who's probably too expensive anyway due to his recent stretch. But Martinez has a salary the Reds might want to part with if they can find a cheaper option on the trade front (they just acquired Ke'Bryan Hayes' $7.5 million AAV, too). Littell, a former Yankee, is an excellent depth starter if the Rays are indeed selling, and they've done plenty of business with New York. Soroka is someone Cashman would love to get on the cheap given his injury history and recent transition back to the rotation.

So ... we'll see. Our guess is as good as yours. But with the action taking off on Wednesday evening, we're slated for a busy Thursday and must expected the unexpected. Don't say The Athletic didn't warn us.