BREAKING: Blockbuster Yankees Trade Proposal Lands another top superstar who is better than Juan Soto
The New York Yankees might consider upgrading from Anthony Rizzo at the trade deadline due to his struggles this season, which led to him being benched on June 9 and 10. Despite leading the league in runs scored, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto spearheading their offense, the Yankees’ lineup feels somewhat thin. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggested a trade that would bring Pete Alonso to the Bronx in a three-player deal.
Rymer noted, “The Yankees haven’t had much trouble scoring runs. Or really any, as they’re up to an MLB-leading 359 for the season. Their lineup nonetheless feels thin. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are obviously amazing, but then you get into a discussion about their next-best hitter that, frankly, doesn’t have a satisfactory answer.”
While the New York Mets might be reluctant to trade Alonso to their Subway Series rivals, a decline in their performance over the coming weeks might compel them to reconsider.
Trade Proposal Lands Alonso in Exchange for Prospect Pitcher
Rymer’s trade proposal would send Pete Alonso and Adam Ottavino, along with cash, to the Yankees in exchange for their No. 3 prospect, Chase Hampton. Hampton, ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 73 overall prospect, is currently playing for Double-A Somerset and has posted a 3.63 ERA in 20 starts this season. He is the Yankees’ top pitching prospect.
Rymer acknowledges that trading away a valuable young pitcher like Hampton is a tough decision for the Yankees, especially after already giving up prospects in the Soto trade and with aging stars like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón on the roster. However, acquiring Alonso could provide the boost the Yankees need to win the World Series. Alonso is batting .233/.315/.459 with 14 home runs in 67 games this season, whereas Rizzo, who has the lowest OPS among Yankees regulars at .626, has hit just eight homers.
Alonso, a three-time All-Star with a career batting average of .249, is known for his power. Although he becomes a free agent at the end of the season and has about $12 million left on his $20.5 million salary, his surplus value is estimated at $7.5 million according to Baseball Trade Values.
In addition to Alonso, Ottavino would bolster the Yankees’ bullpen. Despite his 5.55 ERA, Ottavino could be a valuable right-handed option to neutralize right-handed batters.
Rizzo’s Struggles With the Yankees
Anthony Rizzo has struggled this season, batting .221 with a .344 slugging percentage. Despite his performance issues, the 34-year-old remains a valuable clubhouse presence for the Yankees. Rizzo signed a two-year, $40 million contract in 2022, which includes a $6 million buyout on a $17 million club option for 2025.
Rizzo’s future with the Yankees is influenced by his production, payroll concerns, and the team’s pursuit of Juan Soto. Owner Hal Steinbrenner highlighted the unsustainability of the Yankees’ $300 million payroll during the owners’ meetings on May 22. Steinbrenner stated, “I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially. It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay.”
Given these financial constraints, Rizzo might be sacrificed to make room for Soto, especially if the Yankees aim to lower their payroll. As Chris Kirschner from The Athletic noted, “Because the Yankees seem committed to saving money in spots they can, Rizzo may become a casualty of the team’s Soto pursuit.” If Steinbrenner wasn’t concerned about the $300 million payroll, the Yankees could afford to keep all their players.