NEWSLETTER
Although we’re certainly not ready to flip the switch from contending to trade SZN here at Bleacher Nation, we do feel obliged to note it when something pops up with a direct connection to the Cubs, even this early. This rumor is delivered in two-parts, so stick with me as we connect A to B.
First, the buying team and the need, from Jon Morosi:
The #Yankees will prioritize left-handed bats at the @MLB Trade Deadline. The team of Ruth, Gehrig, and Reggie has the worst OPS of any lineup in the majors from the left side this season. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 17, 2021
As of this morning, the Yankees (22-18) are in third place of the AL East, but only just barely (2.0 games out, winning record, etc.). Given their roster and overall organizational trajectory, then, the expectation of them buying at the deadline is perfectly reasonable. Whether they want a left-handed bat, specifically, is another question.
As Morosi points out, the Yankees have the worst OPS of any lineup in MLB from the left-side this season, and the same goes for their left-handers overall production against righties (41 wRC+). However, the team’s OVERALL success against righties is just about league-average (99 wRC+, 13th in MLB). Notably, their outfield (87 wRC+) has struggled more against righties than the team has overall (keep that in mind as we get to our next stop), but it’s hardly as bad as it looks.
I suppose that is all to say, I find their interest in a left-handed bat reasonable, but it’s probably not as dire as it’s been painted. I also question how much you can know about a team’s situation two months in advance, but let’s just presume the Yankees already believe they’ll need a lefty outfield bat.
In any case, that’s where the Cubs come in, via Dayn Perry (CBS Sports), who addresses Morosi’s rumor and adds some more specific color (emphasis mine):
The Yankees could probably use additional help in the outfield, and leading up to that July 30 deadline lefty bats like Joey Gallo of the Rangers and Joc Pederson of the Cubs could possibly be available. Gallo in particular would be a good fit for the Yankees. Anthony Santander is another potential possibility in the event that the Orioles are willing to trade within the division. Should the Yankees seek out infield help, then switch-hitter Eduardo Escobar of the Diamondbacks is a possible name of interest.
Perry softens those comments with the expectation that the market will look very different in July than it does today, but stands firm on the interest Yankees GM Brian Cashman will have in “potency from the left-side of the plate.” Fair enough for Perry to surmise that the Cubs might become sellers, and if so, Pederson could be very movable. Mere dot-connecting? Something heard behind the scenes? Can’t say for sure, but there’s sensibility here in either case.
Okay, so the Yankees are realistic buyers, they need a left-handed bat for the outfield, and Joc Pederson might be available. Got it? Now let’s dig in.
On the one hand, it’s hard to argue against Joc Pederson’s availability. Of course, he’s going to be available, potentially even IF the Cubs are doing well at mid-season (especially if, say, someone like Jake Marisnick or Ian Happ continues taking steps forward). Pederson was brought in a one-year deal this winter, and while helping the Cubs win while showcasing himself for future free agent suitors may have been the top-line goal, we all know he’s a rental with an organization that just traded away three years of Yu Darvish for youngsters. If the Cubs become sellers and can get anything of long-term consequence for Pederson, they would be wise to act on it.
Of course, there are a few immediate hurdles even in that scenario. For one thing, even if you just talk about the other big lefty bat mentioned by Perry, Joey Gallo is younger, currently performing better, has AT LEAST as much upside, and can also play all over the outfield. Perry calls him a good fit, “in particular.” Moreover, the Cubs and Yankees have tried to get together on a deal for Kyle Schwarber (a similar player) many times in the past, but never quite found common ground. The timing is different – and so is the player – but still, you wonder if there’s a misalignment of value there. And lastly, Pederson is only now starting to turn things around at the plate, so it really depends a lot on how he looks over the next couple months.
After a killer spring, the Cubs outfielder struggled mightily to start the season, thanks in part to left wrist tendinitis, and although he’s beginning to hit better, he’s not back above average just yet (to say nothing of the injury affecting him again in the future or scaring off the Yankees altogether). But for what it’s worth, the Yankees (107 wRC+, 10th in MLB) have handled left-handed pitching just fine this year, so Pederson’s platoon-split deficiencies there might not mean much.
I think that’s a good place to leave this thread for now – it’s still May, for crying out loud – but this is something to keep an eye on as the season unfolds. If the Cubs keep stalling out around .500, if the Yankees outfielders keep struggling against righties, and if Pederson continues to hit like he usually does, this will probably develop some legs.
