New York Yankees trade rumors continue to swirl as the final game weekend concludes before the annual All-Star game is played on Tuesday evening (July 17) from Nationals Park in Washington D.C. That includes the Home Run Derby on Monday (July 16). The Bombers may be one of the best in the game heading into the break, but they haven’t made it a secret that they are looking to add depth at the infield and pitching positions.
Meanwhile, Bryce Harper is hinting at interest in joining the Yankees as well.
Fulmer, Castellanos available
For the past year or so, many rumors linking Detroit Tigers starter Michael Fulmer to New York have been out there - to no one’s surprise they are back once again. According to a Detroit Free Press report, USA Today MLB writer Bob Nightengale tweeted out this morning that the Tigers are listening to offers on starter Michael Fulmer, but teams know the price tag is steep. They have also made outfielder Nick Castellanos available.
So could Detroit be working on a deal to package both players to New York?
That answer is yes - that is if the Bombers are willing to part with some talented prospects. SB Nation is claiming that for the Tigers to show any interest in making this deal, the Yankees would have to be willing to deal outfielder Clint Frazier and infielder Tyler Wade. Both Frazier and Wade have a high ceiling in potential, however, Tigers fans have to wonder why the Detroit brass would want to deal two young players who have already proven they can play at a high level in the big leagues for two players who are just prospects? Sure, they are high prospects, but prospects nonetheless.
Third base is key
If the Tigers and Yankees do pull off a blockbuster deal before the July 31 deadline, Detroit may want either Didi Gregorius or Miguel Andujar included as well.
Here is why this trade could work.
The Yankees get the starter they wanted in Fulmer, and a strong infielder in Castellanos, who has a ton of experience at third base and just happens to be killing the ball this season. New York has been rumored to want to strike a deal for Baltimore’s Manny Machado, however, Castellanos would be a nice second option. The 26-year-old Castellanos is hitting .306 this season with 15 home runs and 56 RBIs. He also has an OPS near .900. In a lineup that looks nothing like it did just one year ago, and with Miguel Cabrera out for the season, those are very impressive numbers.
In return, the Tigers could get Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade and either Didi Gregorius or Miguel Andujar. This is a deal that has the looks of benefiting both squads.