Yes, the New York Yankees are doing pretty great things without their full lineup, but certain performers are merely auditioning.
The New York Railriders have given the league something to talk about. Oh, they’re still the New York Yankees, right?
With half the team on the shelf, the Yankees are finding a new hero every night in the guise of the players Brian Cashman dug out of the bargain bin. But hey, if they’re winning, what does it matter?
Many have discussed what will happen when Aaron Judge and company arrive healthy and ready to go. Do these players still have a spot on the roster? It’s hard to sit a player who is batting well over .300 on the season and proving that this Yankees team isn’t to be messed with.
But the truth of the matter is this is Aaron Judge’s team. This is Giancarlo Stanton‘s team. There will always be room for 2018 Rookie of the Year runner-up Miguel Andujar. They just aren’t healthy right now but when they return, they will take over for the gentlemen that have warmed their spots for them.
So what are these guys playing for? Right now, they’re playing for the Yankees but at the same time; they are auditioning for a potential trade down the line. The Yankees can’t keep them all. So who could be a good trade candidate?
1. Gio Urshela
This is one guy the New York Yankees would kill to keep on their team, especially with the way he’s been performing for them. After getting some playing time with the Cleveland Indians, the 27-year-old bounced around before finding a landing spot and a starting position with the injured New York Yankees.
In the midst of a one-year deal, Urshela would get the Yankees a solid return if he keeps up his current production. Not only is his defense phenomenal at the hot corner, but he is also slashing a .339/.400/.500 line while keeping an OPS at a cool .900.
Urshela is a utility player many would be happy to have, especially with his defensive abilities. If the Yankees don’t have a day-to-day spot for him on their roster, maybe making a trade to help bolster their farm system could be an option.
2. Luis Cessa
Now that Luis Cessa has become the pitcher that the Yankees hoped he would be, his trade stock has to be far better. With one hiccup this year, Cessa has been an entirely different pitcher for the Yankees out of the bullpen.
And that’s the beauty of Cessa. He can stretch to be an opener or be a solid sixth or seventh inning guy for a contending team. So far this season, he’s primarily utilized his slider but has also been working on a sinker. Instead of attempting to nibble around the corners, Cessa has gone after hitters and it’s paid off.
While some teams have to wary about his past, Cessa has proven so far this year to be a solid pitcher out of the ‘pen and with still more success to come.
3. Cameron Maybin
While the Yankees just signed Cameron Maybin, it became clear that he was only there to fill the holes left from unfortunate injuries. When they all come back and the outfield is insanely crowded again, he is of no use to the Bombers.
On the trading block, however, he is a great player to test the waters. He has spent his time in the Bronx hitting and getting on base, plus adding a stolen base in there. Still speedy and getting hits? Sign me up!
The Bombers won’t need the extra players in the outfield (hopefully) so looking to trade Cameron Maybin could serve them quite well as they approach October baseball.
We could easily throw out names like Clint Frazier and Gary Sanchez but, if we’re being serious, that’s never going to happen and probably shouldn’t happen. Frazier has already given the Yankees a taste of their future in the outfield and it’s incredibly impressive. Gary Sanchez’s bat is far too valuable to just toss up on the trade market, defensive issues aside.
These are the guys that are playing right now and doing well. Not only are they helping their current team win, but they are also getting opposing teams to really take a closer look come trade time.
So continue to bask in the spotlight, boys. This is your audition for the future. Keep it up.
