2021 Yankees Offseason Overview Part 5- Potential Acquisitions (Trades)

 Ketel Marte

Marte was a popular name at the 2021 trade deadline before the Yankees traded for Joey Gallo. However, as Marte enters his last year before free agency, it seems certain that the Diamondbacks will trade him to somebody. Does his fit with the Yankees still make sense? Marte’s primary positions are 2B and CF; with the Yankees already having DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres as their 2B options, his only fit makes sense at centerfield. Currently, Aaron Hicks figures to get most of the playing time at that spot. Marte is an enticing offensive addition to the lineup (slashing .318/.374/.543 in 279 games since 2019, 14% K rate, 7.6% BB rate, switch hitter, 28 years old next year) with similar below-average centerfield defense as Hicks (-3,0, -4 outs above average per the last three seasons for Marte, -2, -4, 1 for Hicks). With Hicks being so injury prone (let alone Marte coming off a rough year of injury), I can see the fit, but I have a feeling Marte makes more sense as a guy to pursue later in free agency. His talent and fit on the team are undeniable, however. It would take a big trade return to acquire him for a full year of control.

Byron Buxton

Something to keep an eye is the Twins’ interest in shopping Buxton this offseason. They have been in talks for an extension recently, although Buxton turned them down. I get the impression he wants to test free agency, and with his ridiculous history with injuries, the Twins just might let him walk. Perhaps they try to trade him with one year left on his contract. It's something to keep an eye on into the offseason. Buxton has a pretty good fit with the Yankees with his elite speed and outfield defense (99th percentile sprint speed, 94th percentile outs above average), and his power is the cherry on top (32 homers in just 100 games over the last two seasons). The last time he played 140 games was in 2017, when he was worth a whopping 25 outs above average. He is someone that I would be very cautious about signing in free agency despite turning just 28 next year, but a one-year rental could be worth the gamble. Because of his injury history, it is hard for me to even begin thinking about what his trade value might be. What is clear though is that if (and that’s a big if) healthy, Buxton can easily put up a 7 or even 8 WAR season.


Jose Ramirez

Ramirez gets talked about as a trade candidate because he plays for the Indians/Guardians, but I seriously  doubt he gets traded. Why? Not because he’s too good, but because he is paid too little. The Guardians can pay him a lowly $12 million and $14 million in 2022 and 2023, respectively, due to club options on his contract. If for some crazy reason the Guardians make him available in trade talks, he is possibly the most perfect player for the Yankees. Ramirez has slashed .274/.364/.558 over his last two seasons with a 14.6% K rate and 11.2% BB rate, is a stolen base threat, can switch hit, and can field third base tremendously (7 outs above average). Considering his contract status, it would take a haul. With how perfect he is for the team, it would be worth it. Ultimately I anticipate him remaining a Guardian for his next two seasons. 



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