With the MLB trade deadline looming, the New York Yankees find themselves in need of reinforcements if they hope to reignite their World Series ambitions. After losing their division lead to the Toronto Blue Jays just before the All-Star break, several holes have become apparent—most notably in the starting rotation, bullpen, and infield.
“I would import a starter, some relievers, because our bullpen is taxed and some injuries. And an infielder, if possible,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told Phillip Martinez of SNY. “That’s a long list.”
To check off those boxes, the Yankees may need to get creative—and possibly part with MLB-ready players. CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa believes that includes outfielder Trent Grisham, who he predicts will be traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-team deal.
In the proposed trade:
- The Yankees receive infielder Willi Castro from the Minnesota Twins.
- Grisham goes to the Phillies, who are in need of a defensive upgrade in the outfield.
- The Phillies send prospects to the Twins.
“The Phillies and Yankees don’t match up well for an outfielder-for-third baseman trade, which is where the Twins come in,” Axisa explained. “Rental Grisham for rental Castro makes no sense for Minnesota. If they’re selling, they won’t want a rental. They’ll want controllable young players, so a three-team trade in which Grisham goes to Philadelphia, Phillies prospects go to Minnesota, and Castro goes to the Yankees could be in the cards.”
While complex, the deal makes sense on paper:
- Castro would be a clear upgrade at third base for the Yankees over Oswald Peraza, boasting a .257/.347/.431 slash line.
- Grisham offers solid defense and some offensive upside to a Phillies outfield that’s struggled with Johan Rojas, Brandon Marsh, and Max Kepler.
- And with Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez, and Aaron Judge available, New York has enough depth to absorb Grisham’s departure.
Though a bit complicated, Axisa’s trade concept could allow the Yankees to convert their outfield depth into much-needed infield help.
