Yankees Trade Deadline Talk: Time to Get Uncomfortable
With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are at a crossroads. They have pieces. They have prospects. But if they want to make a real run, they are going to have to give up someone they like.
Let’s get this out of the way first. George Lombard Jr. is untouchable. The Yankees view him as a future star, and they should. He is showing maturity beyond his age and has been one of the most exciting young players in the system this year.
Spencer Jones is untouchable too. He just hit 3 home runs yesterday and now has 13 bombs in 19 games since being promoted to Scranton. You do not move a guy like that unless it is for a superstar.
Ben Rice is tricky. A lot of teams want him. But honestly, I would rather hang onto him too. He feels like the kind of guy who ends up starting in October if you let him grow into the role. The Yankees finally have some homegrown position player momentum.
So who is on the block?
Carlos Lagrange. Cam Schlittler. Bryce Cunningham. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. These arms have value. They are not throw-ins. They are the types of guys teams ask about when they are looking for upside with control. If you are trying to land a legit bat like Eugenio Suárez, you are going to have to part with some of them.
I have said it before and I will say it again, moving Trent Grisham makes sense. He has been great this year, but he is not a long-term fit. Clearing that spot opens up a lane for Spencer Jones, which feels inevitable anyway.
Nobody wants to give up the guys they have been developing and hyping up. But this is the cost of competing. You do not get impact talent by offering names you are fine letting go of. If the Yankees are serious about October baseball, it is time to get uncomfortable.
The Sports Chill 