There is no telling how the New York Yankees would approach the second half of the season after the All-Star break. However, reports suggest the Yankees will make moves before the second half begins.

Two names that have been most mentioned are San Diego Padres star reliever Mason Miller and Colorado Rockies catcher Hunter Goodman. As the trade news keeps picking up, the trade targets also didn't seem openly opposed to the idea.

“The rumors are what they are,” Miller said on All-Star workout day. “The Yankees are a good team, and they’re obviously a team that is going to add most years, so I think it’s just a compliment in a way that good teams are interested in good players.” 

Miller is arguably the most valuable asset on the Padres. He will be a great addition to the Yankees, but Miller is also under contract until 2029. The Padres are already against moving him, and would need a very generous offer to move him.

Goodman has had a good individual season. However, the Rockies have the worst record (39-59) in the National League. They might want to make some moves just in time.

“I enjoy playing for the Rockies. I think we’re doing the right things going forward,” Goodman said according to NJ.com. “I think we’re working on the right things...we’ve changed are going well, and...It’s been a lot better baseball...I don’t really have anything. I try not to think about it. It’s out of my control.”

Surely the Rockies want to move him; there is not much Goodman can do. If the Yankees bring him, he will be a great addition to the roster.

Why Goodman and Miller make sense for the Yankees?

The Yankees have had an impressive first half with a second-best record (54-42) in the American League. They have performed fairly well, but they haven’t performed to their potential, and that might force the team to make some moves.

The Yankees need Miller because they need a serious upgrade in the reliever position. While Fernando Cruz and Brent Headrick have been great in their roles, the Yankees’ last season’s trade is haunting them. 

According to New York Times, last year’s trade deadline, they traded for Jake Bird and Camilo Doval. They have not been great, especially in close games. It is beyond doubt that they need an upgrade, and Miller is the perfect target. 

They also need improvement in the catcher’s department. New York needs a better output from Austin Wells, Ali Sánchez and J.C. Escarra. Together, they have combined for 43 wRC+. It is the lowest in the majors.

They need to improve their catching position, and Goodman could be a key target. They have until  Aug. 3, 6 p.m. ET to make the move.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi