Former GM Names Yankees Prospects Likely to Be Dealt by Deadline

The Yankees aren’t hiding what they need at the deadline, especially after the weekend series in Atlanta. They need pitching, and more pitching.  They need a frontline starter if they can get one. A back-end arm and high-leverage reliever if they can’t. According to former MLB GM Jim Bowden of The Athletic, that help is expected to come via trade and will cost prospects.

But which ones?

For now, Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. look like keepers, Bowden reports. The Yankees have been careful not to dangle either in serious talks. That leaves a deep and evolving tier just beneath them of talented, but more expendable prospects in the right deal.

Right-hander Chase Hampton is out this year after Tommy John surgery but still has value in the industry. Cam Schlittler or Brendan Beck  could be part of a multi-arm package. Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez Cruz offer upside in A-ball, but they’re likely a year or two away.

It’s also possible the Yankees dangle recent draftee Griffin Herring, a high-floor lefty from LSU, or infielder Roc Riggio, who’s quickly becoming a fan favorite but is blocked long-term. If they’re shopping for bullpen help, a one-for-one swap involving someone like Rafael Flores, a promising catcher at Double-A, could get it done.

One name to watch is Everson Pereira. Once seen as a potential long-term outfielder in the Bronx, Pereira’s injuries and inconsistent bat have pushed him to the edge of the 40-man roster. He still has tools and could be the centerpiece in a deal for a reliever or platoon bat.

The Yankees have built up enough prospect depth to move from it. And with the market light on sellers, creativity and control years could matter more than pure prospect rankings.

If a trade comes, it’s likely someone from this group gets the call, but not to the Bronx.  it.