ESPN: Yankees strike perfect deal with Angels to switch-hitting monster
The New York Yankees may be prepared to take that chance in July. Sometimes a great match has a harsh edge.
The front staff is aware that a high-upside move is required since DJ LeMahieu is lacking and the infield production is sporadic at best.
A experienced slugger on a failing squad could be just what this lineup needs as contenders separate from pretenders.
From a lost squad, a forgotten star
With a -53 run differential and a current record of 26–30, the Los Angeles Angels are headed for yet another disappointing AL West finish.
Because of this, they are the type of team that the Yankees frequently select around the trade deadline—sellers with a few alluring assets.
A cost-effective rental would be Yoan Moncada, a switch-hitting infielder in his contract year.
With five home runs and a solid 128 wRC+, he is now hitting.228/.333/.478 and displaying real offensive potential.
His excellent left-handed splits should help the Yankees, and his $5 million salary until 2025 is manageable.
Moncada is an interesting asset because of its lefty power.
Moncada is valuable not only because he can switch-hit but also because he is a threatening left-hander.
All five of his home runs and the majority of his performance this season have come from his left-handed batting line of.260/.367/.545.
The short right field porch at Yankee Stadium makes that ability a weapon in a league full of right-handed pitchers.
It’s a subtle match that completes the set, similar to adding a precise tool to a toolbox full of sledgehammers.
Given how poorly their current infield is performing, the Yankees could use another power bat right away.
The idea might be complicated by defensive deficiencies.
There’s no denying that Moncada isn’t taking home any Gold Gloves this season because of his glove.
Over 224 innings, he has recorded -2 outs over average at third base and -3 defensive runs saved.
A defensive swap seems doubtful, or at the very least foolish, given that he hasn’t played much second base since 2018.
Brian Cashman could take notice of it, particularly if the objective is to increase offense while strengthening the infield defense.
But sometimes it’s worth it to survive a few fielding errors for a team this close to real postseason contention.
A potential change to the Yankees’ infield strategy is that Jazz Chisholm is anticipated to move to third base, in part to make second base available as a trade target at the deadline.
Despite being a switch hitter, Moncada doesn’t fit the Yankees’ reported preference for a right-handed bat.
However, if the price is right, his lefty power profile and cheap contract would make him too alluring to pass up.
If the Yankees are prepared to put money on the bat, a trade may be available because the Angels aren’t moving very quickly.
