The New York Yankees will assuredly be active at the trade deadline, but there aren't a ton of reports about them sniffing around the outfield market.
With obvious needs at third base, starting pitcher, and the bullpen, the Yankees might not have time to sweat the outfield picture. But if that's on the table, it would make sense to target defense over offense.
Specifically, a right-handed hitter to play lockdown defense in place of lefty Trent Grisham in center field would be the most obvious fit.
One Yankees writer believes a recent New York fan favorite (for both teams in the city) might be a reunion candidate.
Empire Sports Media's Alexander Wilson discussed Minnesota Twins center fielder Harrison Bader, who played for the Yankees in 2022 and 2023, as a potential trade deadline fit on Thursday.
"While he’s not the biggest bat on the market, Bader brings something the Yankees know all too well—game-changing defense in center field," Wilson wrote.
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"The Yankees’ outfield defense could use another stabilizer, especially considering the inevitable injuries and Trent Grisham’s looming free agency... Bader is only on a one-year, $6.25 million deal that carries a mutual option for 2026. If he feels comfortable back in pinstripes and wants stability, the Yankees could negotiate an extension to lock in an elite fourth outfielder."
Bader, 31, is having a great offensive season by his standards, with a .254/.331/.436 slash line and 109 OPS+. His best offensive stretch ever came in the 2022 playoffs for the Yankees, so maybe they'll believe he can catch lightning in a bottle again.
Of course, there's no hard evidence that the Yankees are considering Bader at this point. This is an interesting idea, though.
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