New York Yankees starting right fielder Aaron Judge quickly became a sensation in the Bronx, but the former phenom might very well become trade bait before too long as the American League East ballclub continues to struggle.
With the Yankees emerging from the holiday weekend with two losses to the cross-town rival New York Mets en route to now sitting just one game over .500, New York could be in the unusual position of becoming sellers ahead of this year's MLB trade deadline.
Thanks to the presence of the arch rival Boston Red Sox, defending American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays and the upstart Toronto Blue Jays, the postseason doesn't seem as likely for the Yankees as it did back on Opening Day. Not only that, but New York's absolutely ridiculous streak of consecutive winning seasons — one that dates all the way back to 1992 — is very much in jeopardy.
Now at a disappointing 42-41 in 2021 and with the aforementioned Judge having only one more full season remaining on his current contract, could the “Bronx Bombers” look to move the power-hitting right fielder as the trade deadline rapidly approaches? Because the Yankees don't seem to be headed anywhere special in 2021 and the 29-year-old Judge slated to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2022 campaign, now might be the time for New York to capitalize on his star power by trading him away to a contending team.
However, it remains to be seen as to whether or not clubs from around the big leagues can string together some offers that will ultimately interest the Yankees as there is no shot that New York decides to part ways with a player as well liked as Judge for peanuts.
Yankees trade partners for Aaron Judge:
1. Los Angeles Angels
Although the New York Yankees would like to trade former All-Star right fielder Aaron Judge completely out of the American League, settling for the American League West might also need to be an option for the “Bronx Bombers.” One team that could no doubt use Judge's services both now and into next season — and, of course, beyond 2022 if possible — is the Los Angeles Angels. With the likes of center fielder Mike Trout and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani currently serving as two of the three biggest starts in the game, adding a player of Judge's caliber both on and off the field could do wonders for a franchise looking to get back to relevancy.
Because Judge only has one-plus season left on his current contract, there is probably a close to zero percent chance that the Yankees will be able to get back one of the Angels' top prospects in such a deal. Outfielders Brandon Marsh and Jordyn Adams are two of the Angels' top three prospects and are probably off limits, though outfielders D'Shawn Knowles, David Calabrese and Alexander Ramirez are also top 1o prospects in Los Angeles.
If the Yankees can snag two of three in regards to Knowles, Calabrese and Ramirez in addition to a big league-ready player like left-handed pitcher Patrick Sandoval, perhaps there can be some serious traction here. Sandoval is 24 years old and has produced a sub-4.00 ERA atop the highest level for the Angels in 2021.
An outfield of Trout, Judge and Justin Upton would be one of the most ridiculous power hitting trios in recent memory while the presence of the aforementioned Ohtani and third baseman Anthony Rendon would give the Angels one of the scarier lineups around.
2. Oakland Athletics
Again, trading superstar right fielder Aaron Judge within the American League would be less than ideal for the New York Yankees, but once again, the American League West would be one of the better options if a National League ball club doesn't make its way into the mix. While the Los Angeles Angels can probably offer a better package in terms of long-term value and prospects, the rival Oakland Athletics could send a few major league ready players back to the Bronx in exchange for Judge — in addition to a prospect or two as well.
The Athletics are currently significantly injured across the board, though remain a legitimate contender in both the American League West and American League as a whole. With a World Series team in win now mode and injured, adding a player like Judge to the fold could go quite a long way for the Athletics in 2021 while 2022 would just be the icing on the cake. Unlike the Angels, though, it would be unlikely that Judge remains with Oakland pass his current contract.
If Judge were to make his way from the “Big Apple” to the Bay Area, perhaps the Yankees would be interested in players like utility man Tony Kemp and left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo. While Kemp simply provides the Yankees with a player that can play pretty much anywhere and can provide a bit of a spark as he is an exciting and dynamic player, Luzardo was once a top prospect that has struggled mightily this time around. However, a change of scenery for Luzardo could benefit both sides as New York could use a little pitching depth as well.
It is also worth noting that outfielders Luis Barrera, Greg Deichmann and Junior Perez are the Athletics' No. 7, No. 9 and No. 10 ranked prospects, respectively. Adding a young talent to the deal could go a long way for Oakland as Kemp isn't a big name and Luzardo isn't at his best right now.
3. San Francisco Giants
With both the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres initially expected to compete at a very high level this season, it has actually been the San Francisco Giants that have taken the National League West by storm in 2021. However, with both the Dodgers and Padres built to last and more than capable of sustaining successful campaigns from start to finish, the Giants must make sure to keep up all the way to and through October.
In order to keep pace with the rival Dodgers and Padres into the postseason, the Giants will need to add at least one notable player ahead of this year's trade deadline. With the New York Yankees potentially serving as major sellers, perhaps shipping right fielder Aaron Judge across the country and more importantly to the National League will be an option for the Giants.
As it stands today, the Giants have four outfielders across the club's top 10 prospects with Heliot Ramos coming in at No. 3, Hunter Bishop at No. 4, Luis Matos at No. 7 and Alexander Canario No. 10. The Giants can also provide the Yankees with some major league talent as well with utility player Wilmer Flores immediately coming to mind. Flores has played for three National League teams to begin his major league career with the New York Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks joining the Giants, though the longtime New York staple was made to be an American League designated hitter.
It is no secret that this package would likely be substantially worse than what both the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics can offer. As a result, the Yankees could try to land a player like second baseman Donovan Solano from the Giants as well but this scenario remains highly unlikely as Judge would only be under contract for one full season past 2022. Then again, the Giants may go all in in 2021 as the team's unexpected success may not last as long with the tandem of the Dodgers and Padres building for long-term success, which may make things more and more difficult for San Francisco in the coming years.
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