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Yankees Trade Pitch Partners Aaron Judge With $141 Million Infielder

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Jun 19, 2025 3:58 PM ET

The MLB trade deadline is a time when the rich—a team like the New York Yankees, for example—get richer, typically by feasting on small-market teams that are pivoting to next season.

Now might be the time for the Yankees to start making phone calls, especially amid a five-game losing streak and a recent three-game scoreless stretch. Aaron Judge can't do everything on his own, and the last week has raised further red flags about the team's long-term offensive outlook.

How does the thought of Cleveland Guardians infielder José Ramírez in pinstripes sound for an elixir?

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer proposed the Yankees acquire Ramírez, a perennial All-Star and one of the game's most reliable sluggers. Ramírez, who turns 33 in September, entered Thursday hitting .319 with 13 home runs, 35 RBI, 20 stolen bases, and a .914 OPS for the 37-35 Guardians.

There are no indications the Guardians would even entertain trading Ramírez, who is in the fourth season of a seven-year, $141 million deal. However, we said the same thing about Rafael Devers, and the Boston Red Sox unexpectedly sent him to the San Francisco Giants for two pitchers and two prospects.

Ramírez makes perfect sense for the Yankees, both financially and offensively. Aaron Boone's club desperately needs another steady bat, and Ramírez's presence at third base could push Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to his typical second base spot.

"As for how Ramírez would fit at Yankee Stadium, here's a hint," Rymer added. "Out of his 268 home runs, 170 have been as a left-handed hitter to right field."

That sounds good to us, and we're sure the Yankees would concur if given the opportunity.

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

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