The New York Yankees' starting rotation has dealt with injuries this season. That led them to call up Cam Schlittler, but he could quickly become trade bait.
Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in the spring, Luis Gil is still working his way back and Clarke Schmidt is done for the year. That eventually led to Schlittler's call-up. He is the Yankees' No. 3 prospect and has great stuff on the mound. However, the Yankees may be looking to swing a big trade to help their team, and Schlittler may be needed to do so.
The Yankees have not played great since the start of June, and a big trade could help them get back on track. However, any trade for a controllable star would likely cost the Yankees Schlittler, and FanSided's Thomas Carannante tabbed Schlittler as a potential trade chip.
"Fans have mostly agreed that Schlittler is awesome, but they have also mostly agreed that Schlittler should not stand in the way of the Yankees capitalizing on unexpected trade candidates that become available," wrote Carannante. "Brendan Donovan? Steven Kwan? Any other star-caliber player with team control would probably force Schlittler to be in play. We'd rather he stay, but if the Yankees can properly manage a peak asset, few would be opposed to it."
If the Yankees are going to give up Schlittler, they would have to be getting a controllable star who can contribute right away. The Yankees currently have Aaron Judge on the injured list, and he could end up being a designated hitter when he returns. The Yankees could suddenly be interested in outfielders.
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Giancarlo Stanton figures to play some right field to facilitate Judge being the designated hitter. However, there is no telling how Stanton will play out there, and how much he will be able to play. Adding a star outfielder who can contribute with his glove could be a move the Yankees consider.
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