Injury problems this season of MLB have made the New York Yankees scan the market for an outfielder.
There are two players who have received special attention from New York, according to the reports of the last days.
They are Starling mars and Max Kepler. Even nj.com’s Brendan Kuty says the Yankees discussed a possible Mars deal with the Miami Marlins on Thursday night.
Sources: Yankees were talking last night to the Marlins about Starling Marte. They also have talked to the Twins about Max Kepler, but the asking price has been ☝️☝️☝️ https://t.co/YY0CFV7Xd4
– Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) July 23, 2021
Kepler of the Minnesota Twins is not a bad choice. The 28-year-old outfielder is hitting left, something that manager Aaron Boone’s lineup needs.
This season he has a .218 / .307 / .450 batting line, with 12 homers and 37 RBIs. He is not an expensive player, his salary this year is 6.5 million dollars and he has two years left on his contract with the option of one more.
But Mars seems like the ideal place to take a spot in the outfield at Yankee Stadium. The 32-year-old Dominican has more experience (he’s playing his 10th season in the majors) and speed.
Report: The New York Yankees have been in recent contact regarding potential trades for Starling Marte, Max Kepler and Trevor Story. https://t.co/DnDR1eruFM
– Audacy Sports (@AudacySports) July 23, 2021
He was in an All-Star Game and has won two Golden Gloves, which speaks to his defensive solvency. This year Marte is hitting .294 / .394 / .448 with 7 homers, 23 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. He makes $ 12.5 million and will be a free agent at the end of this season.
Miami may be particularly inclined to change him, not only because they have no postseason aspirations and can get a good payoff for him, but also because the Dominican was involved in an argument with a teammate.
In any case, Mars leaves with an advantage to be the new player of the Yankees.