The New York Yankees are once again rumored to having interests in Vernon Wells and it truly seems like they are trying to acquire the outfielder from the Los Angeles Angels. However, there are a couple of things in the way of getting the trade done. There have been no rumors on who the Yankees would send over, but this is the second time in less than a year that the team has been rumored to having interest in the veteran outfielder.
Back in the winter meetings of 2012, the Yankees were rumored to wanting Wells as they needed help in the outfield having allowed Nick Swisher to walk away as a free agent. Wells, however, is a declining veteran currently in an outfield packed with younger, more useful talent as the Angels made moves over the winter.
There are a couple of things in the way of getting this deal done. Never mind that Wells is struggling, he has the ability to veto any trade as he has a full no-trade clause. Not only this, if Wells does accept the trade, MLB would have to approve of the deal since the 34-year-old is due $42 million in the next two seasons.
This once again proves how desperate the Yankees have become. Their farm system doesn't possess the talents to play in the majors, mix this in with their interests in lowering their payroll and suddenly, with all the injuries, the Yankees are reduced to a team seeking veterans that are extras in their current roster.
Immediately after Curtis Granderson went down, rumors of the Yankees possibly acquiring Alfonso Soriano, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs, spread like wild fire. The Yankees could use his bat, but the money situation simply doesn't make sense.
Now, however, with Wells possibly on the table for a deal, the Yankees have the option of asking for a discount.
There's no doubt, no matter how well he does in the spring, Wells talents are on the decline. In 2011 he hit 25 home runs driving in 66 RBI while batting just .218 with a .248 on-base percentage. The numbers declined drastically as Wells saw just about half the action in 2012 posting a .230 batting average, 11 home runs and 29 RBI.
Currently, the Angels have Peter Bourjos, a 25, soon to be 26, year-old outfielder, Josh Hamilton, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo slated to play the fields in L.A. Obviously, Wells is an extra in this packed roster of outfielders. He is not upset with his currently situation as he recognizes that his struggles led the Angels to make the possible moves to acquire extra offensive help.
During the 2013 Spring, Wells is impressing batting .361 with four home runs and 11 RBI along with a .390 OBP in 14 games played.
The only positive this move could bring for the Yankees aside from filling in some desperately vacant holes is a back up designated hitter from when recent offseason acquisition, Travis Hafner, possibly lands on the disabled list.
We will keep you updated on the deal as it is currently very close.
