The New York Yankees have some holes to fill on their 26-man roster.
The Yankees need upgrades at third base, shortstop, and catcher.
The Yankees are in the midst of a heated American League East Division pennant race with the pesky Tampa Bay Rays. The surging Boston Red Sox are closing in quickly.
Here are this old scouts suggestions for upgrades at catcher, shortstop, and third base:
New York Yankees Third Base Trade Targets:
-Isaac Paredes-Houston Astros-Age 27
Baseballreference.com lists Paredes at 5-11, 213 pounds.
In the prime of his baseball life, Paredes is an interesting trade target because he can play second, short, or third.
A two time All Star, most recently in 2024, Paredes is in his seventh year in the big leagues.
An excellent contact hitter, Paredes hits in the clutch, and can be counted upon to offer a quality at-bat, with productive results.
Paredes has some pop in his bat, and would offer stability at third base for New York.
New York Yankees Shortstop Trade Targets:
-Zach Neto-Los Angeles Angels-Age 25
Baseballreferenc.com lists Neto at 5-11, 185 pounds
Neto is one of the most under the radar shortstops in the game.
With their team in a state of flux, the Angeles may be looking to stock up on multiple, inexpensive young players under team control for years to come.
A right handed hitter, Neto offers excellent defense, and some pop in his bat.
Neto does strike out a lot, but upside remains in his hitting ability. There is much more in the tank in Neto’s offensive game.
-Willy Adames-San Francisco Giants-Age 30
Baseballreference.com lists Adames at 6-0, 216 pounds.
In 2023, Adames hit 32 home runs in the very challenging environment of Oracle Park in San Francisco. Last year, he hit 30 homers.
While he isn’t likely to hit the 30 mark this year, Adames is very capable of providing power in a home environment like Yankee Stadium.
A veteran of nine years in the big leagues, Adames provides quality defense at shortstop, and the potential to hit the ball out of the park at any at bat.
Like Neto, there is some strikeout risk with Adames, but that seems to be the case with most hitters in the big leagues today.
New York Yankees Catcher Targets:
-Hunter Goodman-Colorado Rockies-Age 26
Baseballreference.com lists Goodman at 5-11, 220 pounds.
A powerful right-handed hitter, Goodman has thrived with Colorado. In fact, he has more home runs on the road, than at hitter friendly Coors Field.
Goodman hit 31 homers last season, and has already hit that mark this year.
There are plenty of strikeouts in Goodman’s four year career, but he has been an All Star twice, most recently, this year.
It’s a long shot that Colorado would trade Goodman, and the Rockies will look to add plenty of pieces to their troubled club if they pull the trigger. But he’s worth it.
-Tyler Stephenson-Cincinnati Reds-Age 29
Baseballreference.com lists Stephenson at 6-3, 225 pounds
Stephenson turns 30 August 16, but he is the type of catcher the Yankees could rely upon to provide both steady, and capable play on both sides of the ball.
A veteran of seven seasons, Stephenson is a capable right-handed hitter.
Stephenson makes good contact, and is a tough out.
Defensively, he may not throw out enough runners to be called a better than average catcher. But he is capable behind the plate, and will offer the pitching staff
The New York Yankees would upgrade their roster with any of these trade targets.
