Yankees' Updated Trade Targets with 2024 MLB Deadline Approaching

The New York Yankees are a safe bet to be buyers at the trade deadline as they have been one of the best teams in baseball through the first three months of the season and are locked in a tight battle with the Baltimore Orioles for AL East supremacy.

A lack of production at second base and third base could make infield help a top priority, while a fractured forearm has also sidelined Anthony Rizzo and made first base a potential area where they could look for a bat.

As is the case with any contender, they will likely also be kicking the tires on bullpen additions, as there is no such thing as too many quality relief arms.

Ahead we've highlighted one infielder, one first baseman and one reliever that should be on the team's radar at the trade deadline.

IF Luis Rengifo, Los Angeles Angels

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 12: Infielder Luis Rengifo #2 of the Los Angeles Angels fields a ground ball out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on June 12, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

With a lack of production from second baseman Gleyber Torres and third baseman DJ LeMahieu this season, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo sidelined with a fractured forearm, a versatile infielder who can provide some lineup flexibility should be a top priority for the Yankees.

Luis Rengifo fits the mold as someone who has seen regular action at second base, shortstop and third base throughout his career, and he comes with the added value of club control through 2025, so he could provide depth this year and a built-in replacement for Torres if he walks in free agency this winter.

Rengifo, 27, is hitting .305/.354/.413 for a 116 OPS+ with 15 extra-base hits and 20 steals in 62 games, and he has been a solid offensive contributor each of the last two seasons, including a 16-homer, 51-RBI season in 2023.

LHP Tanner Scott, Miami Marlins

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 29: Tanner Scott #66 of the Miami Marlins pitches against the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning at Petco Park on May 29, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)

A productive left-handed reliever with late-inning experience pitching for a non-contender and headed for free agency during the offseason, Tanner Scott is among the most obvious trade candidates in baseball.

The 29-year-old was one of the best relievers in baseball last season, posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 78 innings while tallying 12 saves and 24 holds in 74 appearances.

He has been effective once again this year with a 1.59 ERA and 10 saves in 33 games, though his 23 walks and 16.2 percent walk rate are a bit troubling. He would immediately become the top lefty option in the Yankees bullpen.

1B Andrew Vaughn, Chicago White Sox

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CHICAGO, IL - JUNE 18: Andrew Vaughn #25 of the Chicago White Sox jogs back to the dugout after flying out in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros at Guaranteed Rate Field on June 18, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Chicago defeated Houston 2-0. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Even before Anthony Rizzo hit the injured list with a fractured forearm, he was hitting just .223/.289/.341 on the year, including a non-existent .203 average and .471 OPS against left-handed pitching.

Looking to the future, Rizzo is in the second season of a two-year, $40 million deal and has a $17 million club option with a $6 million buyout for 2025, so finding a potential replacement now would plug the hole until he returns and open the door to cutting ties with Rizzo during the offseason.

Andrew Vaughn was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 draft following a standout career at the University of California, and he has a 100 OPS+ with 31 doubles, 21 home runs and 80 RBI per 162 games in the big leagues.

He is controllable through 2026 and a career .265/.330/.428 hitter against left-handed pitching.