Yankees Could Steal $77M Slugger From Braves in Deadline Blockbuster
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Aaliyan Mohammed is a Newsweek contributor based in Atlanta, GA. His focus is MLB content. Aaliyan has been with Newsweek since 2024 and previously worked at MLB.com, Wisconsin Sports Heroics and Heavy.com. He is a graduate of Mississippi State University. You can get in touch with Aaliyan by emailing a.mohammed@newsweek.com
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The New York Yankees are off to a strong start to the season, but are starting to show signs of struggle at the plate. They could be making calls near the trade deadline in hopes of finding a power bat to pair with Aaron Judge.
The Yankees have been without Giancarlo Stanton this season. He has been taking steps toward a return, but the Yankees may still want to add a home run threat to their lineup. Sports Illustrated's Colin Keane suggested the Yankees could target Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves.
"The Yankees have historically gone after impact bats on the trade market, and they often don't care if their target player doesn't fit perfectly into their defensive or lineup scheme," wrote Keane. "They make it work. Jazz Chisholm being acquired at last year's deadline and shifting over to third base is the most recent example. If New York is eyeing Ozuna, they'll do everything they can to pry him away from Atlanta and worry about the depth chart consequences later."
The Braves have not looked like the team many expected them to, and if things continue like they are, they could find themselves selling at the trade deadline.
Ozuna is in the final year of his deal and is slashing .300/.484/.500 this season. He has four home runs and a Major League Baseball-best 25 walks. His on-base percentage is the best in the National League.
Spotrac projects him to sign a four-year, $77 million deal in free agency. If the Braves do not see a path to the postseason, they could trade Ozuna before he potentially leaves in free agency.
Ozuna has hit 83 home runs since the start of 2023. He is a two-time Silver Slugger and three-time All-Star. When Stanton returns, the DH slot will be occupied, but the Yankees could be willing to deal with Ozuna's poor outfield defense just to get his bat in the lineup.
More MLB: Rockies Former All-Star Starter Could Be on Move Come Trade Deadline In July