The Yankees are staying active as the trade deadline approaches, and they’re looking right within their own division for help.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have interest in three shortstops currently with the Tampa Bay Rays:
• Ha-Seong Kim
• Jose Caballero
• Taylor Walls
These aren’t the splashy headline acquisitions that get fans excited, but they’re the type of moves that can make a real difference in October. We’re talking about glove-first players who bring specific skills to the table.
Kim has the most offensive upside of the three, having put together some solid hitting seasons during his time with the Padres. Caballero brings elite speed that can change late-game situations. All three offer the kind of defensive reliability that becomes crucial in tight postseason games.
What makes this interesting is the timing and context. It’s not about replacing Anthony Volpe – the Yankees and Aaron Boone still believe in their young shortstop’s potential. But Volpe’s had his ups and downs both offensively and defensively this season, and adding depth at the position just makes sense.
This is about roster construction for a team that’s serious about getting back to the World Series. Having options matters when you’re managing late-game situations, dealing with matchups, or need to make a defensive substitution with the season on the line.
The fact that they’re willing to trade within the division shows how committed the Yankees are to maximizing their current window. Trading with Tampa Bay isn’t something you do lightly, but sometimes the right fit is right in front of you.
It’s the kind of move that might not generate much buzz now but could look pretty smart come October.
