The 2024 New York Yankees need a fix
The New York Yankees have been through an absolutely abysmal stretch of baseball since losing Giancarlo Stanton. The once first place American League East unit is now three games back of the Baltimore Orioles, and have been embarrassed at home losing two of three to the Red Sox, one being a shutout and the other being a blown lead. Those facts, combined with a sweep by the Reds and lackluster performance from the entire team, has exposed the weaknesses and needs for this team at the deadline.
Brian Cashman has many holes to fill, but the infield, particularly second and third base, and bullpen depth are among the most pressing needs. These three players have the ability to help fix this Yankee team, and hopefully boost them back into being a championship caliber team.
Jonathan India – Cincinnati Reds 2B
The Reds may not be looking to move India, as he’s someone who has developed with their new young core and is a huge part of the current state of the team. India has improved drastically over the course of this season, and could be the upgrade the Yankees need at the position. India is hitting .270, with a .774 OPS, and a 118 OPS+. Recently India has been hitting much better and has great stats in high leverage situations. The Yankees could use a guy who comes through in high leverage situations, and India is a young bat that plays a great second base that can replace Gleyber Torres. India is also currently striking out slightly less this season while walking more . The current batting average leader for Cincinnati could just be what the Yankees have been desperately wanting, if he’s willing to cut his hair, of course.
Tanner Scott – Miami Marlins LHP
There’s arguably nothing that could be better for the Yankees than getting a top of the line reliever. Marlins’ Tanner Scott fits that need. With the current state of the Marlins, Scott is almost certain to be dealt at the deadline, and he is just what the Yankees need. In 38.0 innings pitched, Scott has a 1.42 ERA with 13 saves to go along with it. No stranger to the American League East, Scott played a handful of seasons with Baltimore, and could help bring that much needed depth to the Yankee bullpen. With opponents currently batting .142 against the Marlins lefty, he is a must for Cashman to get. While the Yankees will likely not stray from Clay Holmes as the closer, Scott could add another elite reliever arm to the bullpen.
Luis Rengifo – Los Angeles Angels INF
DJ LeMahieu’s time in pinstripes looks to be coming to a sad end, as his performance and effort has been lackadaisical since returning from injury. Rengifo could be that fix, a guy who can play third, shortstop, and second base. Rengifo is hitting .315 in 69 games for the Angels, with an .800 OPS, and 123 OPS+. Rengifo has been a .700+ OPS guy in his last couple seasons, and is a solid utility guy that can push 20 home runs in a season. A possible package deal for reliever depth could be a possibility as well, this one could be the most likely deal Cashman makes.