Yankees Reportedly Talking To Pirates About Slugger In Potential Blockbuster

The New York Yankees aren’t going to sit on their hands as the MLB trade deadline approaches. General manager Brian Cashman has already tipped his hand in that regard.

“We’re going to town,” the longtime executive told reporters earlier this month. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to improve ourselves and try to match up.”

How that takes shape remains to be seen. Cashman also put emphasis on the starting rotation, the bullpen and infield help. Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz doesn’t exactly fill any of those holes, but the slugger is reportedly on New York’s radar ahead of Thursday’s deadline.

The New York Post’s Joel Heyman tweeted Thursday night that the Yankees have spoken with the Pirates about Cruz and a handful of others, but the price is currently “steep,” Heyman noted.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported earlier this week there’s been no shortage of interest in Cruz, who despite his flaws is cost-controlled.

“The Pirates have received many calls on Cruz, who boosts three years of remaining club control after 2025 and is arbitration eligible starting next season,” Noah Hiles reported for the Post-Gazette. “It’s worth noting the Pirates aren’t actively shopping Cruz but are listening to what other teams are willing to offer.”

The 26-year-old has been the Pirates’ biggest source of power, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 40 runs through 91 games. The .219 batting average isn’t pretty, but left-handed bats always play at Yankee Stadium, and Cruz is also a nightmare on the basepaths for opponents. He leads the majors with 33 stolen bases.

The big question about Cruz would be his defense and the position he plays. He came up as a shortstop and started 107 games at the position last season. However, Pittsburgh moved him to the outfield on a full-time basis, and he hasn’t played an inning on the dirt this season. It might be tempting for the Yankees to put him back in the infield given the issues Anthony Volpe has had at times this season.

Volpe could even be part of a potential deal to land Cruz, who won’t come cheap given his skill set and contract flexibility.

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