New York Yankees Trade Rumors: Ben Zobrist May Be Headed To The Yankees


According to NJ.com, the New York Yankees have shown great interest in making a move before the trade deadline on July 31 that would change their starting lineup dramatically for their better.

The New York Yankees are currently pursuing Ben Zobrist of the Oakland Athletics. The Yankees are believed to be the frontrunner to acquire the 34-year-old. Other teams that have been rumored to be interested in Zobrist are the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Washington Nationals, and now the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates can be added to the running.

Brink said in his report, “[M]ultiple sources have said the Pirates have some degree of interest in Zobrist, the talented utility man who has played seven different positions in his 10-year major league career. Zobrist, a 34-year-old switch-hitter, is hitting .258/.346/.423 with five home runs and 18 doubles this year. He is making $7.5 million and is a free agent after this season.”

Zobrist has high value to many teams due to him being able to play multiple positions and being a switch hitter, as well as his expiring contract.

Zobrist would fit very nicely with the New York Yankees. Though he can play pretty much anywhere, he has played most of his 10-year career at second base, and he recently said he believes he is a better infielder than outfielder.

There is no doubting that the New York Yankees could use help at second base. Since 2013, the Yankees have had trouble replacing Robinson Cano, who now plays in Seattle with the Mariners. In 2014, the New York Yankees failed in an experiment with veteran Brian Roberts and this year Stephen Drew is hitting .181 despite providing solid defense. The Bronx bombers are currently platooning Drew and Brendan Ryan at second base.

It is unclear how much it would cost the New York Yankees to acquire Ben Zobrist from the Athletics. Gary Sanchez, who has been made available by the Yankees, may be a piece in that package. Nevertheless, general manager Brian Cashman has said he does not want to give up his other top prospects in a trade. Two of those players are starting pitcher Luis Severino and right fielder Aaron Judge, both of whom Baseball America recently ranked in their top 50 prospects list.

Do you think the New York Yankees will make a transaction in order to acquire Ben Zobrist? If not, what other moves do you see the Yankees making before the trade deadline on July 31?

[Image Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images]

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