New York Yankees designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton’s latest injury leaves the team needing another bat.
Stanton is already questionable for Opening Day with discomfort in both elbows. It’s unclear if the ailment, which dates back to last season, will eventually lead to surgery.
Two-time AL MVP Aaron Judge and veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt each figure to earn extended DH reps if Stanton can’t go. However, Judge is also the starting right fielder on a Yankees team with limited reliable outfield depth.
If the Yankees envision a world where Judge sees regular time at DH, it makes sense to add another outfielder. Enter Chicago White Sox center fielder and 2023 All-Star Luis Robert.
Robert is only two years removed from a 38-home run, 80-RBI season for the White Sox. He’s a capable defender who earned a Gold Glove as a rookie in 2020.
However, Robert hit a career-worst .224 with 14 home runs and 35 RBI in 100 games last season. If you’re looking for a positive, at least he stole 23 stolen bases.
Should the Yankees acquire Robert? Here’s a hypothetical trade both teams should consider.
New York Yankees receive: Luis Robert Jr., OF
New York Mets receive: Marcus Stroman, SP; Everson Pereira, OF; Zach Messinger, RHP; Roc Riggio, 2B
First off, this trade frees the Yankees of their Stroman problem. Stroman declared last week he won’t pitch out of the bullpen. If he’s insistent on being a starter, why not send him to a White Sox team needing arms?
Stroman might benefit in more ways than one by joining the White Sox. A strong first-half performance could make him an intriguing trade deadline candidate.
However, Pereira is arguably the crown jewel of this trade. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound outfielder hit .265 with 10 home runs and 27 RBI at Triple-A last season before undergoing elbow surgery in June.
Pereira struggled in his 2023 cup of coffee, hitting .151 with 40 strikeouts in 27 major league games.
Messinger went 7-8 with a 3.06 ERA in 27 games (25 starts) for Double-A Somerset last year. The 25-year-old has gradually improved in his three seasons with the Yankees, dropping his ERA over an entire run from 2023 to 2024.
A 2021 13th-round pick out of Virginia, Messinger throws four pitchers, including an above-average slider.
Riggio had mixed results in his first full pro season. The Oklahoma State product hit .221 with 11 home runs, 47 RBI, and 27 stolen bases at A+. Riggio showed impressive plate discipline, drawing 71 walks against 97 strikeouts.
With the Yankees eyeing their first title since 2009, the Bombers should strongly consider trading for Robert. The more outfielders, the better.
