After securing Jazz Chisholm Jr. in a blockbuster trade on Saturday, the New York Yankees are reportedly setting their sights on Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz,
Díaz, 32, has posted a batting line of .270/.326/.397 in 97 games this season, following a stellar 2023 campaign where he led the American League with a .330 batting average.
The first baseman is under contract with the Rays through 2025.
The Yankees’ pursuit of Díaz comes as they seek to address a void at first base created by Anthony Rizzo’s arm fracture in June.
In Rizzo’s absence, rookie Ben Rice has had up-and-down results, hitting .196/.291/.421 while shouldering most of the playing time.
In their quest to bolster the roster before the trade deadline, the Yankees may be willing to part with significant assets.
Spencer Jones, the team’s second-ranked prospect by Baseball America, is reportedly not considered untouchable in trade discussions.
However, most Yankees fans would not be too thrilled to see Jones dealt. It would have to take quite a return in order to feel comfortable with getting rid of such a special prospect.
The Bombers are desperately trying to get back on track. This past weekend’s series win against the rival Boston Red Sox was a solid start.
The road gets tougher tonight as the pinstripes travel to Philadelphia to take on the league-leading Phillies.
General manager Brian Cashman knows the pressure is on, and despite their recent struggles, the Yankees are more than capable of going on a World Series run.
The MLB trade deadline is rapidly approaching, set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. EST.