The Yankees kicked off a three day stint with the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday night and what seemingly appeared to be just another typical game in the Bronx, turned into much more. In the third inning, Aaron Hicks took a pitch off his shin and left the game barely able to walk. According to Bryan Hoch, "Aaron Hicks is leaving the game after fouling a ball off his right shin. Was hardly able to put pressure on the leg as he hobbled off the field." In typical Twitter fashion, fans called for the Bombers to quickly get a deal done for outfielder Andrew Benintendi, who the Yankees have shown interest in for some time. Could this trip for the IL for Hicks be the trigger for a trade with the Royals?
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi on Monday, "Yankees are looking at a number of outfielders on the trade market, with Royals CF Michael A. Taylor among them. Taylor won a Gold Glove in center last year and would help Aaron Boone to keep Judge, Stanton, and Hicks healthy in 2nd half and postseason." With Hicks likely out for a while given his injury record, will the Yankees move quicker to get a deal done with Taylor or Benintendi?
"Benintendi has been one of the more productive outfielders in baseball this season, getting on base at a terrific clip and maintaining above-average overall numbers despite lacking power in his bat. He's also a solid defender in left field who won an American League Gold Glove award less than a year ago for his efforts in 2021. Benintendi has yet to come to terms with the Royals on a contract extension, however, making him a prime trade candidate as a soon-to-be free agent that a contending team could be in the market for," reported Jordan Foote of Inside the Royals earlier this month.
There is no secret that both Hicks and Joey Gallo are struggling this season, perhaps Gallo more than Hicks. Despite the Yankees being the best team in baseball, their weakest links are surely this pair. And even if Hicks did not go down and out in Tuesday night's game, the Yankees were likely to trade for another outfielder. Taylor's offense this season far surpasses his teammate Benintendi, which could make him more appealing for the Yankees, who could use another bat in the game.
It will be interesting to see how the Yankees respond to the Hicks' injury. In the interim we will likely see either Miguel Andujar or Estevan Florial make some appearances in the lineup through the All Star Break. After that, the Yankees could make their move ahead of the August 2nd trade deadline, and either Royal could find themselves in pinstripes.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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