The Boston Red Sox are right behind the New York Yankees in the American League playoff picture. Boston’s long-time rival is expected to be one of the deadline’s most aggressive buyers, but an insider claimed the Bronx Bombers are pondering another path.
The Yankees have reportedly “laid a little groundwork” for trading pending free agents, according to SNY’s Andy Martino. However, he’s “highly skeptical” the Yankees will sell at the deadline for the first time since 2016.
Martino wrote Sunday that the Yankees would have given legitimate thought to selling had Aaron Judge suffered a season-ending injury. The reigning AL MVP is sidelined with a flexor strain, but he could return as a full-time designated hitter after spending a minimum of 10 days on the injured list.
As a result, it remains unlikely the Yankees will shop closer Devin Williams or outfielder Cody Bellinger, who has an opt-out after the 2025 season. New York begins Monday a game ahead of Boston for the first of three AL wild-card spots while brandishing MLB’s second-best run differential (+95) behind the Chicago Cubs.
The Yankees have missed the playoffs only five times in the past 30 years, and they have already acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon and utility man Amed Rosario. They seem poised to pursue starting and relief pitching before Thursday’s trade deadline.
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If the Yankees instead entertained offers for their players on expiring contracts, Paul Goldschmidt could give the Red Sox another option at first base. Trent Grisham is enjoying a bounce-back year, and Martino relayed that the Yankees may explore the market for their relievers.
Although the Yankees selling still seems far-fetched, the thought makes an upcoming AL East series interesting to watch. New York plays four games against the Tampa Bay Rays, another possible contender reportedly considering their deadling approach.
