With injuries piling up, the New York Yankees are actively exploring trade options to bolster both their rotation and infield depth. Two potential targets have emerged—left-handed pitcher Steven Matz of the St. Louis Cardinals and third baseman Jose Miranda of the Minnesota Twins.
Former Mets’ Star Could Help Yankees’ Rotation Crisis
The Yankees are in desperate need of pitching after losing Gerrit Cole for the season due to Tommy John surgery. Surprisingly, former Mets prospect Steven Matz has surfaced as a possible trade target.
Currently with the St. Louis Cardinals, Matz has struggled to meet expectations since leaving New York. However, New York Post columnist Joel Sherman discussed the possibility on the Pinstripe Post podcast.
“He’s been a good lefty out of the bullpen,” Sherman noted. “The day Luis Gil returns or you trade for someone else, Matz goes to the bullpen, and suddenly you have some depth.”
Matz, 33, is in the final year of his contract and is owed $12.5 million—an expensive price for a potential reliever. However, his ability to contribute both as a starter and out of the bullpen makes him a flexible option.
While Matz has battled injuries and inconsistency, the Yankees might take a chance on his potential, particularly with pitching coach Matt Blake’s success in revitalizing struggling arms. If the Yankees believe Matz can be another turnaround project, acquiring him could be a smart move.
Yankees Eye Jose Miranda as a Budget-Friendly Third Base Option
On the offensive side, the Yankees are also searching for a right-handed bat to strengthen their infield. With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined and the team struggling for depth, Minnesota Twins infielder Jose Miranda has emerged as a viable trade candidate.
Miranda, 25, posted a solid .284/.322/.441 slash line last season with nine home runs in 401 at-bats—the highest batting average of his young three-year career. Given the Yankees’ current third-base situation, he appears to be a stronger option than their in-house choices.
Since the Twins plan to use Miranda as a bench piece, he could be available at a reasonable price. With a salary of $800,000 before entering arbitration, he fits within general manager Brian Cashman’s budget constraints.
Potential Yankees-Twins Trade Proposal
Yankees Receive:
- 3B/1B Jose Miranda
Twins Receive:
- SS/2B Roderick Arias (Yankees’ No. 7 prospect)
- C Jesus Rodriguez (Unranked prospect)
Arias, a 20-year-old switch hitter, has solid power and plate discipline but still needs development. Joining him in the trade would be 22-year-old catcher Jesus Rodriguez, who boasts a .311 career minor league batting average.
Final Thoughts
With Gerrit Cole out and their infield depth lacking, the Yankees need reinforcements. Trading for Matz would provide a versatile left-handed arm, while acquiring Miranda would add a capable third baseman at a low cost. As the season approaches, the Yankees must decide whether these budget-friendly options are enough to keep them competitive.
