Five key trade-deadline targets for skidding Yankees

The New York Yankees (54-36 entering play on Saturday), find themselves in second place in the fiercely competitive American League East. They trail the Baltimore Orioles by three games and hold a narrow 4.5-game lead over the third-place Boston Red Sox, who took game one of their three-game set this weekend. Just a month ago, the Yankees were 28 games over .500, but an 0-4 start to July and a lackluster 14-13 record in June have left the team reeling.

The Yankees' recent performance has shown they aren't as dominant as their .750 winning percentage in May suggested, but they are also not as weak as their current struggles imply. New York needs midseason reinforcements to compete with the younger, deeper Orioles team, particularly in the infield and pitching staff. First, second and third base all require upgrades, and additional arms are essential to support a pitching rotation suffering from overuse.

In recent seasons, the Yankees have waited for other teams to initiate trade-deadline activity, but they must be the aggressors this year. With no guarantee that Juan Soto will return in 2025, and possessing the 11th-best farm system, according to MLB.com , New York must strike early ahead of the trade deadline, which is July 30 at 6 p.m. ET.

Christian Walker, 1B, Diamondbacks

One prime target is Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker. At 33, Walker would be a rental player. But he boasts a 142 OPS+, slugging .518 with 22 home runs. Given Anthony Rizzo's injury issues and the inexperience of rookie Ben Rice, acquiring a veteran power hitter like Walker is crucial. Additionally, Walker is consistently rated among the best defensive first basemen in the league, according to Baseball Savant.

Ryan McMahon, 3B, Rockies

MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has mentioned the Rockies' Ryan McMahon as a potential fit for the Yankees at third base. However, it's unclear if Colorado will make McMahon available, given his contract goes through 2027. As a left-handed batter, McMahon would help balance the lineup and could thrive with Yankee Stadium's short right-field porch.

Carlos Estevez, pitcher, Angels

Resurgent Los Angeles Angels closer Carlos Estevez is another top target for teams seeking rental bullpen help. Estevez, after making adjustments, saw batters hit .065 against him in June, compiling eight saves without a blown attempt . Estevez's late-inning experience and expiring contract make him attractive to New York, especially as acquiring him wouldn't impact their ability to retain Soto.

Tanner Scott, pitcher, Marlins

Another potential bullpen addition is Tanner Scott from the Miami Marlins. Scott has a 1.46 ERA, a 1.108 WHIP, 12 saves and only two blown saves in 36 appearances this season. His presence would provide the Yankees with a legitimate closer option and bolster the bullpen for the stretch run and playoffs.

Kyle Finnegan, pitcher, Nationals

Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals is also a possible trade target. With a 1.7 WAR, 23 saves and a 0.964 WHIP in 38 games, Finnegan is under team control until 2026. The Nationals' slim playoff chances might make them willing to trade Finnegan, giving the Yankees another reliable bullpen arm.

One crucial factor in all these potential moves is the luxury tax. Will Hal Steinbrenner authorize Brian Cashman to increase the team's already-substantial payroll? Spotrac has the Yankees at $306.6M well over the $237M luxury-tax threshold.

For the Yankees, the time to act is now. Making aggressive moves at the trade deadline could be the key to turning their season around and ensuring they remain contenders in the American League.