As the 2024 MLB trade deadline looms, speculation is mounting around former New York Yankees utility player Gio Urshela. Currently, with the Detroit Tigers, he may be on the move as teams seek to strengthen their rosters for the season’s second half.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller has indicated that Gio Urshela, along with teammate Mark Canha, might be on the trading block as the Tigers could turn into sellers at the deadline. Both players, on expiring contracts, have delivered performances slightly above replacement level this season.
With the Yankees grappling with production issues at first and third base, a reunion with Gio Urshela could be on the cards. He, in 50 games this season, is batting .265 with a .305 on-base percentage, two home runs, and 20 RBIs—figures that could provide a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ infield.
Gio Urshela is a Yankees fan favorite
His versatility is a significant asset, having played various infield positions during his tenure with the Yankees from 2019 to 2021. With Anthony Rizzo currently sidelined due to injury, the Yankees’ need for infield reinforcements has become more pressing.
Gio Urshela, 32, was part of the Yankees trade involving Josh Donaldson in 2021. With the Minnesota Twins in 2022, Urshela hit .285/.338/.429, belting 13 homers and 27 doubles across 144 games. His 2023 campaign with the Los Angeles Angels was cut short by a fractured left pelvis in June. Before the injury, Gio Urshela demonstrated his versatility, playing all four infield positions while batting .299/.329/.374 with two home runs in 62 games.
Gio Urshela served as the Yankees’ primary third baseman from 2019 to 2021, prior to the March 2022 trade to the Twins. His breakout year came in 2019 with New York, when he hit .314.
During his Yankees tenure from 2019 to 2021, Gio Urshela impressed with 41 home runs, 153 RBIs, and a .292/.335/.480 slash line over 291 games. Since becoming a full-time player in 2019, he has maintained a consistent .291/.335/.452 batting line across 497 games, with an above-average 115 OPS+.
For New York, targeting Gio Urshela could be a cost-effective strategy compared to a blockbuster trade that might deplete their top prospects. As the July 30th deadline approaches, the prospect of him returning to the Yankees remains a compelling possibility for both the player and the team.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
