Yankees 'most motivated' to trade for Ohtani (report)

[Auggie]

MLB.com / July 13, 2023

Will the Angels trade Shohei Ohtani before the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline? That question has been asked myriad times already and will be asked much more as we near that key date. But let's set that aside for one second and instead ask another question: If the Angels make Ohtani available, which club would be the likeliest to go after him? Sources have told ESPN's Buster Olney that the Yankees are that club.

"You start with the Yankees. The Yankees, the Yankees, the Yankees," Olney said Thursday, before mentioning the Rangers and Rays as other teams that could make an effort to acquire the two-way superstar before the Deadline.

"In talking with sources yesterday, they see the Yankees as potentially being the most motivated, because Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton -- they are middle-aged players right in the prime of their careers," Olney added. "This is the Yankees' window to win now."

More speculation (offseason free agency) at the link: https://www.mlb.com/news/shohei-ohtani-rumors

I imagine trading for Ohtani would deplete the Yankee farm system and/or cost one or two long-term signed veterans. That's a big gamble for one rental player, though I bet New York thinks it might help entice him to sign as a free agent. Would it be a plus in the playoffs? For sure.

[Diamond_Dog]

1. Interesting to speculate which long term signed veterans the Yanks would be willing to give up.

Cole and Judge you’d think would be untouchable.
Who does that leave? Stanton? Le Mahieu? Also do the Yanks have a good closer this year? I thought they were trying some different guys but I’m not that familiar with them to know who’s been filling that role. They’d better not go after the Guardians’ Clase! He signed a 5-year contract extension in 2022 with Cleveland but the Yanks always seem to get what they want!

[Auggie]

2. Can't imagine anyone wanting Stanton

His numbers are too low and salary too high. Plus, he's almost 34 and signed through 2027.

LeMahieu, at $15 million, is a better bet, and unlike DH Stanton, he plays anywhere in the infield. But his numbers are suffering as well.

I think anything the Yankees have to offer would mostly be in prospects. If I was the Angels that's what I'd want. Who that might be, aside form starting pitching, I don't know.

As for Cleveland, Bieber has surfaced in trade talks (arbitration eligible in 2024), though I believe the front office is on record as saying they're keeping him through the season. They signed Ramirez long-term. Maybe they sign Bieber. There's more incentive with McKenzie's recurring shoulder injuries.

IMO the Gaurdians/Indians have done a good job handling pitchers in recent years, They rid themselves of Andrew Miller, Corey Kluber and Mike Clevinger just at the right time (and after they got the most out of them). Headcase Bauer was shipped off too.

Any offer for Clase would have to be dynamite. He's being paid a pittance.

[Brother Buzz]

3. Las Vegas odds place the Dodgers above the Yankees (Could be a West Coast bias)

Team....Odds to acquire Ohtani

Angels -476

Dodgers +200

Mets +350

Yankees +375

Padres +600

Jays +600

Braves +750

Cardinals +800

Giants +800

Any other team +1000

https://www.si.com/mlb/braves/news/atlanta-braves-nl-east-standings-shohei-ohtani-trade-deadline