The New York Yankees are looking to reclaim the AL East, and the team is urged to make a trade after their rival, the Toronto Blue Jays, made one.
Toronto acquired versatile infielder Lenyn Sosa from the Chicago White Sox. In return, Toronto gave up minor league outfielder Jordan Rich and a player to be named later. Although Sosa doesn’t move the needle a ton, it does raise the floor.
With that, MLB analyst Jovan Alford of SI urges the Yankees to trade for utility player Willi Castro from the Colorado Rockies.
“The Yankees might not want to go back down the path of trading with the Rockies, seeing how things have played out with McMahon. However, veteran Willi Castro would be an interesting trade target for them,” Alford wrote. “The 28-year-old Castro signed a two-year, $12.8 million deal this offseason with the Rockies. But don’t put it past Colorado to move him at the deadline for a minor leaguer. Colorado is still a ways from contending.
“Castro can play all three outfield spots and across the infield. This season with the Rockies, the veteran super utilityman is hitting .220 with three doubles, one home run, and seven RBI. … With all that being said, the Yankees should keep a close eye on Castro, who could see some buzz at the trade deadline. Especially if he has a strong first half and the Rockies bottom out in the NL West.”
Castro is a switch-hitter who gives Aaron Boone some flexibility not only in the field but in the hitter’s box. He can help play matchups and allow Boone to be aggressive with pinch hitters and pinch runners.
Castro Can be Impactful Utility Player
If the Yankees do acquire Castro, the utility player can play all over the diamond and would help raise the team’s floor.
Castro can serve as the team’s fourth outfielder and move on from Randal Grichuk, who has struggled mightily. And, he can help back up some infield spots. He likely is an upgrade at the plate over the likes of Ryan McMahon and Jose Caballero.
Meanwhile, if Jazz Chisholm Jr. leaves in free agency this offseason, Castro serves as insurance at second base for next season.
The 28-year-old is hitting .220 with 1 home run and 7 RBIs this season. Castro is more of a contact bat who can get on-base and pass the baton for the big hitters atop the Yankees lineup.
Castro was an All-Star in 2024.
Yankees Have Infield Questions
New York has some question marks on the infield, especially with Anthony Volpe returning to the MLB soon.
Volpe is closing in on a return from injury, and he’s expected to be the team’s starting shortstop.
“That’s always been the plan, but ultimately it’s the manager’s call,” Cashman said about Volpe being the starter.
Caballero will become a bench infielder along with Amed Rosario, while McMahon’s bat is still a concern. So, the Yankees could very well look to acquire more infield help before the trade deadline to bolster the lineup.
New York is 9-7 to begin the season.
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