After a series sweep to the New York Mets, the New York Yankees are 60-44 and sit 1 1/2 games back of the Baltimore Orioles for first in the American League East. The Yankees trade rumors are heating up and they could use a significant boost as they will likely get creative over the coming days. The Yankees offense needs an upgrade with first and third base being a priority at the trade deadline. One player who New York was listed as a possible landing spot for maybe unlikely- was rising star Isaac Paredes of the Tampa Bay Rays by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
Yankees Trade Rumors: Isaac Paredes to New York?
The possible trade will look something like this.
Rays trade 3B Isaac Paredes and RHP Pete Fairbanks to Yankees for OF Everson Pereira, SS Roderick Arias, 3B Oswaldo Cabrera, 2B Jorbit Vargas and RHP Zach Messinger
“The Yankees would fill a huge role at third base with Paredes, the Ray’s best position player; who immediately lengthens and improves the lineup. He would allow the Yankees to use DJ LeMahieu in a platoon at first base with Ben Rice and occasionally at second base and DH as well. Paredes, who has a 129 OPS+ and made his first All-Star game this year, is under team control through 2027. The Yankees would also improve their bullpen with Fairbanks, who could share the closer role with Clay Holmes and comes with two additional years of control.
“In return, the Rays get the toolsy Arias, who immediately becomes one of their best prospects, and the power-hitting Pereira for one of their corner outfield spots. Cabrera becomes their multi-position 10th player, Vivas provides them with an option for life after Brandon Lowe at second base and Messinger profiles as a mid-rotation starter in the future. The Rays are always looking for long-term wins and have never been afraid to make deals within their division if they make them better.”
Paredes Makes Sense, But So Does Another Infielder
Acquiring Paredes would be the Yankees’ best option at either first or third base. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Rays don’t trade the power-hitter to their division rival, but would be a shock to see him move. Rice is doing a passable job over the injured Anthony Rizzo. However, second baseman Gleyber Torres and shortstop Anthony Volpe have been mediocre. If Tampa Bay chooses not to trade Paredes, New York could turn their attention to second Jonathan India of the Cincinnati Reds.
Jorge Castillo of ESPN reported Wednesday that the Yankees are interested in India. Castillo does caution that the Reds aren’t to trade India unless the Reds are out of a playoff spot by Tuesday. India is having a nice bounce-back campaign, hitting eight home runs while striking out 19.7 percent of the time to drawing walks at a 12.7 percent clip. His .275/.377/.420 batting line translates to a strong 123 wRC+. His second base defense hasn’t been all that known in his career, but showing signs of improvement this season. India has a -8 Defensive Runs Saved but has a +1 Outs Above Average. Now that he’s showing signs of consistency, it’s fair to understand why the Yankees would pursue him. The former Rookie of the Year comes at an affordable price as he’s making $3.8 million this year and $5 plus incentives next year.
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