Yankees Trade Rumors: Ben Zobrist, Dustin Ackley Strong Options For New York
Yankees trade rumors name Ben Zobrist, Dustin Ackley, and Alexei Ramirez as possible acquisitions. The New York Yankees have struggled to find answers at the middle infield positions since losing Robinson Cano to free agency and Derek Jeter to retirement. It has left the team pondering what to do at second base and shortstop, paving the way for various rumors that include negotiations taking place, as well. A report from Fox Sports on Saturday (June 13) revealed the Yankees have spoken to the Seattle Mariners recently about a deal for Ackley.
Dustin Ackley played second base well for the Mariners before the team signed Cano for the 2014 MLB season. The Mariners tried to move him to the outfield, where he had been good with the glove, but he has had range problems. Couple that with struggles at the plate, and Ackley might be the least expensive option on the trade market. Ackley makes $2.6 million this season, making him very affordable for the Yankees, but he also has a batting average of just.194 to show for 2015. He will remain under team control for two more seasons, and might not cost much in a deal.
Ben Zobrist of the Oakland Athletics is the most recognizable name being linked to the New York Yankees. He is 34-years-old now, though, and is struggling through a knee injury. This is a former All-Star in the American League who might find his bat again, but the Athletics also might want a good package of players in return. He makes $7.5 million in 2015 and will become a free agent in the offseason. The other caveat here is that several other teams (like the New York Mets) have also been linked to him in trade rumors.
Then there is Alexei Ramirez of the Chicago White Sox, a former Silver Slugger (2014) at shortstop that could certainly provide more “pop” to the Yankees’ lineup. He is having a down year for the struggling White Sox, batting just.234 with two home runs in 2015. Ramirez makes $10 million and has a team option for 2016 that the Yankees could look at during the offseason. From an offensive standpoint, he might be the best option on the market that won’t cost the team a hefty package of prospects.
As previously reported on the Inquisitr, Troy Tulowitzki may also be available, but his salary and the cost to acquire him makes a deal with the Colorado Rockies seem unlikely. From the New York Yankees trade rumors that are current, the most feasible deal seems like one where the team acquires Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners. It isn’t the splash that some fans might be looking for, but he is a former No. 2 overall draft pick that might still have potential to be reached.
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