The New York Yankees have faced a challenging season, with their once-promising start fizzling as injuries have plagued their roster. Having been seven games ahead in the American League East as of May 28, the team’s dynamics have shifted significantly, primarily due to the impact of injuries to key players.
Two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge initially bolstered the team’s performance, hitting 21 home runs in April and May with impressive OPS figures. However, the setbacks have overshadowed his contributions. The Yankees lost ace pitcher Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery before the season began, and last week, middle rotation starter Clarke Schmidt suffered a similar fate. Furthermore, last year’s Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, remains sidelined with a severe lat muscle strain, although there are hopes he may return after the All-Star break.
Max Fried, the Yankees’ high-profile free-agent signing, initially emerged as a standout pitcher with a league-leading 20 starts and a 2.43 ERA. However, he too fell victim to injury, developing a painful blister on his pitching finger before the break, leaving his return date uncertain.
With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are under pressure to address both their rotation struggles and infield challenges, particularly following the unexpected release of second baseman D.J. LeMahieu. In response, a recent trade proposal suggests sending outfielder Trent Grisham along with two top pitching prospects to the St. Louis Cardinals. In exchange, the Yankees would receive pitcher Erick Fedde and versatile infielder Brendan Donovan.
This potential deal stands to fulfill multiple needs for the Yankees: Fedde has experience as a rental player, having a 4.83 ERA this season, while Donovan, a Gold Glove winner and recent All-Star, offers flexibility having played multiple positions. The proposed trade would mean letting go of Grisham, a fan-favorite, plus two promising prospects, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Chase Hampton, along with outfielder Everson Pereira.
As the Yankees navigate these pivotal moments, they face both adversity and the opportunity to retool their roster, potentially positioning themselves better for the remainder of the season. The upcoming decisions at the trade deadline will be crucial not just for this year’s championship aspirations but for the team’s future as well.