The New York Yankees are making waves in the MLB trade market as they are reportedly considering a significant move ahead of the 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline. The Yankees, currently dealing with a string of injuries, are showing signs of improvement and are within striking distance of an American League Wild Card spot. With star player Aaron Judge expected to return to the lineup soon, New York fans are eagerly anticipating potential trade deals. Now, a possible deal with the Washington Nationals involving Jeimer Candelario and Lane Thomas is on the radar,
Who are the names linked to the Yankees?
Throughout the season, the Yankees have been linked to numerous trade targets, ranging from outfielder Cody Bellinger of the Chicago Cubs to pitcher Jack Flaherty of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Now, another deal is on the radar, and it involves a possible trade with the Washington Nationals for third baseman Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Lane Thomas, according to reports by The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
The proposed trade holds significant promise for the Yankees, as it addresses their offensive needs at third base and left field in one fell swoop. Jeimer Candelario, a 29-year-old slugger, and an impending free agent, is having a standout season, boasting impressive stats with a .256/.336/.483 slash line, 16 home runs, and 52 RBIs. He has been a valuable asset to his team with a 127 OPS+ and a WAR of 3.0, as per Baseball Reference.
Meanwhile, Lane Thomas, aged 27, is enjoying a breakout season as an outfielder for the Nationals. With a stellar .293/.341/.486 slash line, 16 home runs, and 54 RBIs, Thomas has proven his worth, earning an OPS+ of 130 and a WAR of 3.5. Even more enticing for the Yankees is the fact that Thomas is under team control through 2025, adding long-term potential to the deal.
In exchange for Candelario and Thomas, the Nationals would receive a robust package of four prospects, bolstering their rebuilding efforts. The deal would include pitchers Richard Fitts, a 23-year-old currently excelling at Double-A, and Chase Hampton, a 21-year-old also playing in Double-A. Additionally, the Nationals would acquire outfielder Anthony Hall, aged 22 and currently on the injured list in Low A, along with 18-year-old rookie ball shortstop Roderick Arias.
Acquiring Candelario and Thomas could be a game-changer for the Yankees, who are striving to climb up the standings and secure a Wild Card spot. With just a two-and-a-half-game gap to close, the addition of these two potent players could provide the firepower and depth needed to ignite the Yankees’ offense.
While rumors continue to swirl as the trade deadline looms just under a week away, the prospect of landing both Candelario and Thomas has surprised many fans and analysts alike. As the clock ticks down, New York’s intentions will become clearer, and baseball enthusiasts can expect a flurry of trade talks leading up to the deadline.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Too much to give up for Lane Thomas and Candelario. Nope, wouldn’t include Roderick Arias.
The Yankees need to make a blockbuster trade that would put them into the playoffs they need another pitcher catcher and a good left fielder and another arm for the bullpen and a third baseman. But Aaron Boone is not a good manger if the Yankees fail to make the playoffs then they need to move on from cashman and Boone it think it’s time for Hal needs to do his job.