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The New York Yankees have enjoyed one of their best starts to the season in recent years, as they currently own the best record in the MLB at 22-8. New York has boasted one of baseball's most potent lineups and a pitching staff that has kept runs off the board better than most. Perhaps the greatest surprise with these Yankees is that they have been an excellent defensive squad, particularly at the catcher spot, where they have been notably poor in recent seasons.
While the Yankees look like they have very few weaknesses right now, that could change as the 2022 MLB season rolls on. While boasting the game's best defensive catcher in Jose Trevino, the Yankees have gotten very little offensive production from the position, something that could hurt them in the long run.
Outfield is a position of strength, with MVP candidate Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Joey Gallo, and Aaron Hicks leading the way. However, the checkered injury histories of Judge, Stanton, and Hicks make outfield depth a very important investment for general manager Brian Cashman.
If Cashman has lived by any phrase during his time atop the Yankees front office, it's that you can never have too many starting pitchers. This year's deadline class promises to be a good one in that department, with a pair of Cincinnati Reds hurlers Luis Castillo and Tyler Mahle likely there for the taking.
Oakland Athletics starter Frankie Montas and Arizona Diamondbacks surprise hurler Merrill Kelly could also be available at the right prices. There should be no shortage of options for Cashman if he deems the Yankees' roster worthy of an upgrade once the deadline comes around.
So, to sum it all up, the Yankees don't need to actively be looking into trades right now. However, we baseball fans just can't help ourselves, We want to think about trades.
So, here are three way-too-early trade targets for the Yankees in the 2022 MLB season.
3 Trade Targets For Yankees In 2022 MLB Season
3. Jace Peterson
This isn't a flashy name. However, Peterson- who has logged innings at third base, first base, and in the outfield- is a jack of all trades. While he's not great with the bat as a career .230 hitter, the 32-year-old offers ability in two key areas that would really benefit this Yankees lineup.
For one thing, Peterson is an excellent defender, tying for fifth place in the MLB in defensive Wins Above Replacement. He would provide some key depth for the Yankees at third base, where the oft-injured Josh Donaldson resides, and in the outfield behind Judge, Stanton, and Hicks.
On offense, Peterson is a patient player who has posted a .349 on-base percentage in three seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. He often sees a fair amount of pitches per plate appearance, something that would add some length to the Yankees' mighty batting order.
Last but certainly not least, Peterson is speedy, having stolen five bases this year. The Yankees' infusion of speed last season made them a more dangerous team, something the front office definitely took note of, given the addition of Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
Why not trade for Peterson, a former Yankee himself, who could provide the Yankees a boost in several key areas?
2. Luis Castillo
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This might be wishful thinking for some Yankees fans. Luis Castillo is one of the better strikeout pitchers in the game who just so happens to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds, who own the worst record in baseball at 7-24. They will almost certainly be cleaning house at the trade deadline.
The Yankees, who rank second in the majors in team ERA, certainly don't need any more starting pitching. However, Castillo, who looked like a legitimate high-end ace from 2010 to 2020 before he struggled mightily last year, would be a very nice addition to New York's rotation.
He would slot in comfortably behind Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, and Nestor Cortes, making New York's already-capable rotation even scarier. Castillo, who struck out 10.9 batters per nine innings during his bets two years, also has elite-level strikeout stuff.
If he becomes available at the right price, Cashman must pounce to give the Yankees a World Series-caliber rotation.
1. Sean Murphy
The Yankees have Jose Trevino, who has yet to allow a passed ball and ranks as baseball's best pitch framer, per Statcast. They have Kyle Higashioka, who has worked well with new York's pitching staff and provides a bit of pop at the plate.
However, there's just one problem. Trevino owns a minuscule .433 OPS. Higashioka is checking in with a .400 mark. Those aren't just poor offensive numbers- they're rally-killing offensive numbers.
For a Yankees team that prides itself on having a deep batting order, it sure does shorten up when it's time for Trevino or Higashioka to step up to the plate.
Enter Oakland Athletics catcher Sean Murphy. The Athletics' top two prospects are catchers, meaning the 27-year-old Murphy may not have much more time as the team's starting backstop by default.
It's no fault of Murphy's, as he has been an offensive presence at the dish, clubbing four homers with 17 RBI. A native of Peekskill, New York, Murphy is familiar with the area and wouldn't view the Bronx as too big of a stage.
While he's a bit too strikeout-prone and not the greatest defensive backstop, his offensive prowess can't be ignored. Murphy would add some serious pop to the Yankees' lineup.
