The New York Yankees have cycled through several complementary pieces around their superstar core in recent seasons, frequently turning to the trade market at midseason in hopes of finding inexpensive roster upgrades.
That seems likely to be the case again this year, as the team searches for some bullpen improvement and perhaps some position player reinforcement with Aaron Judge sidelined.
But before then, one of the team’s recent trade deadline moves, which proved to be a disappointment, has gotten a new update.
New York Yankees’ Trade Deadline Bust Gets Fresh Start With Division Rival
Last summer, the Yankees acquired veteran outfielder Austin Slater as part of a deadline push aimed at improving their roster depth against left-handed pitching.
“New York parted with Minor League right-hander Gage Ziehl (the club’s No. 18 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline) in exchange for the 32-year-old Slater, who has a strong track record against left-handed pitching and can play all three outfield positions,” MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported at the time. “Slater is the third position player acquired by the Yankees this week, following previous deals to import third baseman Ryan McMahon and infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario.”
While the acquisition appeared promising on paper, Slater never became a meaningful contributor in New York and quickly moved on as the Yankees continued reshaping their roster.
Now, the veteran outfielder is headed back to the major leagues with a new organization after a strong stint in Triple-A.
“Slater signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay late last month but is now headed to the major league club as the Rays gear up for a slate of left-handed pitchers,” Steve Adams reported for MLB Trade Rumors.
The move gives Slater another opportunity to carve out a role at the highest level while joining a Rays club that currently sits atop the American League East division standings. Slater could enjoy a better debut with the Rays than he did with the Yankees, as he’s set to see some advantageous pitching matchups.
“The Rays will face Red Sox left-hander Connelly Early (on Monday) and are slated to face fellow southpaw Payton Tolle (on Tuesday),” Adams added. “The Angels’ rotation is in disarray, so it’s hard to gauge exactly who’ll be starting for them next weekend when the Rays visit Anaheim.”
Former New York Yankees Outfielder Will Be Looking To Help Rival Steal Division
Slater’s arrival with the Rays creates an interesting full-circle moment. Less than a year after the Yankees surrendered prospect capital to acquire him, Slater now finds himself with one of New York’s biggest division rivals as Tampa Bay continues looking for incremental roster upgrades during a playoff race.
And he certainly seemed to earn that chance.
The 33-year-old was hitting .348/.464/.696 with five doubles, one home run and five walks in 28 plate appearances for Triple-A Durham before earning his promotion. Meanwhile, Slater owns a career .248 batting average in the big leagues and has long been known for his success against left-handed pitching, the skill that originally made him attractive to the Yankees at the trade deadline.
Whether Slater can turn that success into a lasting role remains to be seen. But after bouncing between organizations over the past several seasons, the former Yankees acquisition has earned another chance to contribute at the major-league level — this time with a first-place rival of his former club.