MLB Trade Rumors: Red Sox Rival Adds Another Bat Before Deadline

The New York Yankees are wheeling and dealing ahead of Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline in their quest to stay ahead of the Boston Red Sox in the standings.

YES Network’s Jack Curry reports “As much as the Yankees are targeting pitching, I’m hearing they have acquired RHH OF Austin Slater from the White Sox.”

ESPN’s Jeff Passan confirmed the news, reporting “The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Austin Slater in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN.”

“Gage Ziehl, RHP prospect, goes to Sox in deal,” according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman.

So what are the Yankees getting in the trade?

“Slater is a 32-year OF who has also played some first base in his career,” Curry reported. “The RHH gives the Yankees some more flexibility. In 51 games, Slater has a .721 OPS and a +1 OAA in the OF. Depth move. The Yankees will part with a minor leaguer.”

The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty notes “Austin Slater has an .859 OPS this year vs. lefties and has played all three OF spots — including a good amount of LF. Perhaps he could platoon with Jasson Domínguez. Or play RF with Judge out in games vs. southpaws.”

Curry also confirmed that “Ziehl, a RHP who has pitched at Single A and Double A this season, will be sent to the White Sox in the Austin Slater deal.”

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been busy working the phones ahead of the deadline. He previously traded for infielders Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario.

The Yankees turned their attention to outfield help after putting reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge on the injured list with a bum arm.

New York remains in the market for starting pitching and bullpen help.

The Yankees (58-49) are in second place in the American League East, four games behind the first-place Toronto Blue Jays. New York owns a one-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card standings.