“He isn’t hurting the offence as much as second base and third base are, but he’s basically a replacement level player for which there are quite a few intriguing replacement options,” according to Miller.
After opening the season 49-21, the Yankees held the best record in baseball on June 12. However, they have the worst record in baseball over the last 23 games (6-17). Despite ranking first in runs this season, the Yankees are placed 19th in July.
Brent Rooker might give the Yankees offence a boost.
“Oakland’s top slugger has primarily served as a DH this season, but he has played a fair amount of corner outfield in his career,” Miller said. Even if he is a small step behind Verdugo with his glove in left, no one will worry if he brings his.891 OPS with him to the Yankees.”
Rooker has made 117 starts in the corner outfield throughout his career. With Stanton as the primary DH, Rooker would most likely play left field if the Yankees acquired him. His offensive prowess, on the other hand, would be extremely beneficial to the club.
Rooker would be a long-term addition to the Yankees, since he is arbitration eligible for another three years. The Yankees “would need to part with some serious prospect capital to get him,” Miller wrote.
Rooker was chosen an All-Star in 2023 after hitting 30 home runs, posting a.817 OPS and driving in 69 runs. In 137 games last season, he batted.246 with a 127 OPS+. This season, he has upped his average to.282 and already has 55 RBI.
Rooker’s.903 OPS would rank third on the Yankees, trailing only Judge and Soto. Giancarlo Stanton now has the team’s third highest OPS. Stanton is on the disabled list with a.795 OPS.
“At any rate, it’d be fun to add him to the mix right as Giancarlo Stanton is coming back from the IL.”
Rooker will be a trendy name during the trade deadline. Many teams may attempt to snag the All-Star from the failing Athletics. According to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY, the Philadelphia Phillies “keep a close eye” on him.
Brian Cashman discusses the trade deadline.
According to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, the organization would “be open-minded to a lot of different things” before the July 30 trade deadline.
“We definitely have areas to improve upon, and we’ll do our best to do so,” Cashman told reporters on July 9.
In 2022, the Yankees started 61-23 before finishing under.500. Finally, they were swept by the eventual World Series winner Houston Astros. If the Yankees do not improve, this season could be similar to the last.
“Thankfully, we got out of the gates really strong, so hopefully that cushion will allow us to work through this, hopefully sooner than later, because it’s gone on long enough,” Cashman told the crowd.
In 2022, the Yankees attempted to right the ship by acquiring Andrew Benintendi, Frankie Montas, and Harrison Bader. These signings did not work out, but the Yankees will have a similar opportunity to improve a struggling team this season.
“We just got to figure our way through this ourselves, and then hopefully we can add some outside pieces that will benefit us at some point,” Cashman told investors.
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