Yankees’ trade deadline moves already raising major concerns originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees made multiple moves before the MLB trade deadline to help an injury-depleted lineup survive the stretch run. So far, that plan has not worked.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly included the Yankees among five teams that could already be regretting their deadline decisions. New York’s two notable additions, Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos, have struggled to make an immediate impact in pinstripes.
The Yankees acquired García from the Washington Nationals after the infielder hit 23 home runs and posted an .873 OPS. García’s production has dropped considerably since the trade, however, as he has recorded a .653 OPS with New York. Ramos has endured an even more difficult transition.
The former San Francisco Giants outfielder hit just .063 with zero RBIs and 11 strikeouts over his first 10 games with the Yankees, according to Bleacher Report. New York surrendered pitching prospect Henry Lalane and shortstop Kaeden Kent to acquire him. Both players could eventually make the trades look much better. García remains under team control through 2027, while Ramos is controlled through the 2029 season. That long-term value does little to solve New York’s immediate problem.
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Yankees needed immediate help
The Yankees did not acquire García and Ramos solely with future seasons in mind. They needed both players to contribute while several of the biggest names in their lineup dealt with injuries. Aaron Judge is recovering from a stress fracture in his right ribcage. Cody Bellinger has been sidelined by a left hamstring strain, while Giancarlo Stanton has dealt with right calf strains.
The Yankees’ depleted lineup created an opportunity for García and Ramos to take on larger roles. Instead, their early struggles have made it more difficult for New York to withstand those absences.This does not mean either trade is destined to become a failure. Ramos has a history of producing against left-handed pitching, while García’s power against right-handers should eventually fit well in the Yankees’ lineup.
New York simply cannot afford to wait much longer for that turnaround.
The Yankees entered the deadline hoping to create enough depth to remain dangerous even without a completely healthy roster. Instead, they remain heavily dependent on Judge, Bellinger and Stanton returning in time to produce during the most important portion of the season.
Bleacher Report’s assessment comes with the necessary small-sample warning, but the concern is legitimate. The Yankees acquired García and Ramos to help keep their season on track.
Through the first two weeks after the deadline, neither addition has delivered what New York needed.
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