The New York Yankees lost infielder Gleyber Torres this offseason and they haven’t done much to replace him. New York has been connected to St. Louis Cardinals infielder Nolan Arenado, but Arenado has a no-trade clause which has likely stopped any deal to the Yankees.
FanSided’s Jacob Mountz recently predicted the Yankees would pivot away from the idea of adding Arenado and trade for Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith.
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Here’s the full deal pitched by Mountz:
- New York Yankees receive: INF Josh Smith
- Texas Rangers receive: RHP Will Warren (No. 5 prospect), OF Everson Pereira (No. 10 prospect)
“One unexplored option belongs to the Texas Rangers,” Mountz wrote. “Utility infielder/outfielder Josh Smith served as the Rangers’ third baseman last season filling in for the injured Josh Jung. Set to make $800,000 this season before becoming arbitration-eligible, he is easily affordable to any interested team.
“During a scorching first half, the 27-year-old left-handed hitter broke out, hitting for a batting average of .293 with 10 home runs after posting poor numbers in his first two seasons. Unfortunately, after a minor injury mid-way through the season, Smith’s performance suffered. Still, Smith received a Silver Slugger finishing the season with a slash line of .258/.337/.394/.731 with 13 home runs through 523 at-bats.”
If the Yankees are looking for talented, affordable, and controllable, Smith could be their guy. He’s the opposite of Arenado, as the Cardinals’ infielder is an expensive veteran.
Smith would slot in as a potential infielder of the future for the Yankees, but this trade package may be a bit steep. Giving up both Warren and Pereira would be an expensive ask, but it could end up being worth it for Smith.
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