Which players could the Yankees target at the 2024 trade deadline? The Bronx Bombers appear to have a championship-caliber team. However, they find themselves competing with the Orioles at the top of the American League East, so they have every incentive to be active at the trade deadline.
Naturally, Yankees trade rumors have already started weeks before the deadline.
Five Players the Yankees Could Add at the Trade Deadline
On the pitching side, the Yankees appear to be in good shape, at least once Gerrit Cole can get back on track. But New York’s lineup has a hole or two to fill and could always need more depth. That means the offense could be a top priority at the deadline.
Fortunately for the Yankees, the luxury tax is rarely a concern when it comes to building a championship roster. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Yankees’ 2024 trade deadline targets, specifically the batters the Bronx Bombers could look to add.
Cody Bellinger
While Cody Bellinger signed a three-year deal with the Cubs last offseason, that deal includes an opt-out option after each of the first two seasons. Bellinger is clearly interested in returning to the open market, so the Cubs will have to consider trading him, especially after falling to last place in the National League Central. He’s not having the best season, but he’s been good enough at age 29 to get Bellinger into free agency again.
As a left-handed power hitter, Bellinger is an ideal candidate to play half of his games at Yankee Stadium, especially since his power has been significantly reduced from last year. He also has good positional versatility. While he may not be among the greatest center fielders in MLB history, Bellinger can play multiple positions in the center field. He could also replace the injured Anthony Rizzo full-time at first base.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
It would be a huge coup if the Yankees were able to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in a trade to a division rival. He would be a permanent replacement for Rizzo at first base but could also get hits at DH if Rizzo returns later this year.
After a slow April, Guerrero has been impressive over the past two months, so he would be a great addition to New York’s lineup. The caveat is that his price tag is steep, especially since he won’t be available for rent. Guerrero won’t be a free agent until after the 2025 season, though the Yankees might like that given the possibility of losing Juan Soto this winter.
Louis Rengifo
Compared to Bellinger and Guerrero, Luis Rengifo isn’t the most interesting trade candidate to the Yankees. However, he has been a bright spot for the Angels this year and is batting at a rate above .300.
He can play second and third base, two positions the Yankees have not been particularly good at. Rengifo would be a solid addition to the team at either position, meaning the Yankees won't have to worry about another outfield spot during the second half of the season.
Andrew Vaughn
Again, compared to Bellinger and Guerrero, Andrew Vaughn isn’t a hot trade candidate. He’s also not as big an upgrade at first base as those two players. But he’s coming in strong and playing for a team that will be selling players at the deadline. Vaughn also has two more years of arbitration, so he’s a potential part of New York’s long-term future.
The Yankees don't have a clear plan at first base after this season, making Vaughn an intriguing option.
Elias Diaz
If the Yankees wanted to make a bold move, they could trade another player, Elias Diaz. The Yankees could certainly use a backup, though Diaz would likely get the bulk of the playing time behind the plate with Jose Trevino.
He's batting at over .300 and has some useful skills behind the plate, so he'd bolster the Yankees' catcher position with Trevino backing him up. The Rockies are apparently trading Diaz and he'll be a free agent this winter, so it's not out of the question for the Yankees to pull off such a deal.
