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Yankees Trade Idea Reunites Aaron Judge With Former Outfielder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 8:42 AM ET

The vast majority of New York Yankees trade rumors, even those dating back to spring training, have frequently featured third basemen and starting pitchers.

None of that is to say that Aaron Judge and the Yankees can't, or won't, acquire an outfielder ahead of the July 31 deadline—and perhaps the one who makes the most sense is a player the Yankees know all too well.

It's only a matter of time before the 18-41 Chicago White Sox officially wave the white flag and pivot to 2026. Although former All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is the team's most popular trade asset, don't be surprised to see veteran right fielder Mike Tauchman also find a new home within the coming weeks.

Tauchman, who doesn't turn 35 until December, pushed his average to .372 with two hits—including a solo home run—in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Although hamstring injuries have cost him a significant chunk of time, Tauchman enters Wednesday hitting .372 with two homers, four doubles, a triple, and a stellar 1.132 OPS over 53 plate appearances.

Two things can be true: the Yankees don't need an outfielder, and there's no reason why they can't consider adding an outfielder.

The Yankees don't have a starting outfield spot, not unless the thumb issue Jasson Domínguez suffered in Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers proves serious. Barring a rash of injuries, you likely won't see Robert or Orioles standout Cedric Mullins join the Yankees in a bench role.

Tauchman is another conversation, though, and the Yankees know that firsthand. He gave the 2019 Yankees a massive boost, posting 3.9 bWAR and 13 home runs across 296 plate appearances for the American League runner-ups.

Tauchman goes outta the park pic.twitter.com/Go6HHXeb3U
— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) June 1, 2025

The question becomes if the Yankees want five outfielders on the active roster, especially if Domínguez's injury proves minor. Former NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton no longer plays the outfield and is a full-time DH, robbing other players of potential half-days off.

Tauchman makes sense on paper, but only if the Yankees get into a situation where they feel adding a true outfielder is necessary. If anything, the Yankees are better off scouting the trade market for a utilityman who can play the outfield in a pinch, filling the role that injured third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera may have played in October.

As of now, we expect the White Sox to trade Tauchman before the deadline. However, a second stint in pinstripes sounds and feels unlikely, at least given the current roster construction.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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