Yankees Rumors: NY's MLB Trade Deadline Moves Could Be 'Influenced' by Luxury Tax
The New York Yankees reportedly may take the luxury tax threshold into account when making deals ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, New York is $1.1 million above the highest luxury tax threshold of $293 million, and remaining above that number is punishable financially through a tax, plus the Yanks' first-round pick would be pushed back 10 slots next year if they can't get under $293 million.
While the expectation is that the Yankees will be buyers at the deadline, sources told Rosenthal that the team's decision-makers could be "influenced" by the luxury tax situation and compelled to move pieces in and out rather than going all in as a buyer and throwing caution to the wind.
While the Yankees are 1-4 since the All-Star break and sit in last place in the American League East at 50-46, they are just 2.5 games out of a wild-card spot, giving them plenty of incentive push forward rather than selling off assets.
Also, superstar slugger Aaron Judge, who has been on the injured list since June 6 with a torn ligament in his toe, may be nearing a return.
Per Greg Joyce of the New York Post, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Tuesday that Judge was getting "close," although he did not provide an exact timeline for the 2022 AL MVP's return to action.
Starting pitcher Nestor Cortés and reliever Jonathan Loáisiga are also expected back in the near future, adding depth to a starting rotation and bullpen ravaged by injuries this season.
Judge's return is likely the key to whether the Yankees will compete for a playoff spot, though, as they have struggled mightily offensively this season, ranking 29th in MLB in batting average (.230) and 18th in runs scored (419).
Judge set a single-season AL record in 2022 with 62 home runs, and prior to getting injured this season he was enjoying another MVP-caliber campaign, hitting .291 with 19 homers and 40 RBI in 49 games.
Per Rosenthal, the Yankees are expected to pursue help at multiple positions leading up the deadline, including potentially trading for a left fielder, bullpen arms and a starting pitcher.
Rosenthal also pointed out that the Yankees could look to move some of their impending free agents, such as starting pitcher Luis Severino, utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa, outfielder Harrison Bader and reliever Wandy Peralta.
The Yankees reached the American League Championship Series last season and have made the playoffs in six consecutive campaigns.
That, coupled with the fact that Boone would likely be in serious danger of getting fired should the Yankees miss the playoffs, means all parties involved have every reason to pursue a spot in the postseason.
