The New York Yankees did not cap off an important weekend series like they would have hoped. The team needed a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays to grab a firm grip on the first-place spot in the American League East and instead they fell on Sunday, resorting back to old habits. While the pitching is improving, the offense is still not consistent enough to make an impact which is why the Yankees continue to linger around trade talks.
With the waiver deadline approaching, the Yankees have been lukewarm on making a move. General manager Brian Cashman has said that he is unwilling to give up top prospects for any trade deal, but he is always willing to try and improve the team if an offer is out there. According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Yankees are in the mix for Jose Reyes who cleared waivers with the Colorado Rockies. The shortstop still has two years and $48 million left on his contract which means he is an expensive acquisition, but a versatile one of the Yankees can get him.
New York is desperate to figure out an answer to Stephen Drew. According to Heyman, Reyes could come in an be inserted into the second base spot. Building a trade package for Colorado could be tough. The team is unwilling to give up Rob Refsnyder, Luis Severino or Greg Bird. Aaron Judge is promising down in Triple-A. However, Reyes would be a huge upgrade over Drew who currently owns a sub-.200 batting average and is bring the team down.
The Yankees were being linked to Chase Utley, but the veteran's price tag has skyrocketed. According to FOX Sports, Utley is being looked at by the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Angels as the Yankees are unlikely to have a package enticing enough for the Phillies. The same can be said for Martin Prado who could be available from the Miami Marlins. If New York is holding tight to prospects, they will stay put at the deadline.
That could mean Refsnyder comes back from Triple-A. After making a brief appearance for the team earlier in the season, Refsnyder was sent back down, but is performing well in the minors. If the Yankees do not find a replacement for Drew at the trade deadline, the young prospect could be the best fit.
